MPISD – News

Contact: Kelly Cowan

MPHS advances to UIL CX Debate State Championships

Mount Pleasant High School Speech and Debate will send a team to the UIL Cross-Examination Debate State tournament for the sixth year in a row.

The team of senior Connelly Cowan and junior Anthony Orellana took second place at the District meet, qualifying them for the state meet in March. It is the fourth consecutive CX state qualification for Cowan and Orellana’s first.

Cowan currently holds two UIL State medals and a state speaker award in CX Debate. In four years, Cowan was also named District Top Speaker, her fourth District Top Speaker award, with Orellana placing 2nd in speaker points.

“I am beyond thrilled to be returning to state for the fourth time,” said Cowan. “Competing at the CX state tournament is a special experience, and I really cannot believe this will be my last one. I am so grateful for the support of Coach Martinez and our team. Even more, I am grateful to Anthony. No one works harder or shows more dedication than he does, and I am so proud of how far he has progressed. I can’t wait to see how the state tournament goes.”

Orellana added, “I still can’t believe that we have qualified to state. Since the beginning of the school year, Connelly, my partner, and I have been working and researching non-stop. And despite all odds, we have overcome so many obstacles. I’m so excited to compete once more at Austin and hopefully bring a state medal home!” 

The UIL State Cross-Examination Debate Tournament is on March 18 and 19. Enrique Martinez coaches Mount Pleasant Speech and Debate.