In their very first year as a team, the YWLA Middle School Speech & Debate squad made school history, bringing home both 1st place and 3rd place at the Speak Up, Speak Out! State Competition.
The Winning Teams
Taking home the gold and the Primary Research Award were Hazel Boerger and Karis "Kitt" Cardenas for their project, The Impact of Counselors on the Youth Mental Health Crisis. Their research tackled one of the most important issues facing students today allowing them to take the dub.
Earning 3rd place along with the Community Engagement Award were Catherine R., Ashley R., Rudinah M., and Talia H. for Public Food Pantries Around Our Community, a project that put a spotlight on food access right here in San Antonio. Also proudly representing YWLA at state were Lillia Stagg and Illiana Muñoz-Gonzales with their project Funding the Future.
Built From the Ground Up
But truly what makes this win impressive is that this team didn't exist last year. Mrs. Delgado-Villegas built the middle school debate program, and in just one season, guided her students all the way to the state stage. That's what believing in young women looks like, giving them a platform to speak about what they care for.
A special thank you goes to the YWLA PTSA, whose funding made the state trip possible. Without their help these young women would not have had the opportunity to make history! These middle schoolers walked into a state competition for the first time and walked out with multiple wins. If this is year one, imagine what's coming next.
Congratulations to the entire Speech & Debate team. Go Lady Cardinals!