The debate team traveled to northern Houston last week for their Regional Congress competition. Senior Colby Menefee and sophomore Omar Almeida will advance to State in January.

“The whole thing was really stressful, but it taught me to trust myself more,” Almeida said. “I also learned to be more attentive and to take more notes, which really helped me advance to State.”

Menefee placed first overall, and this will be his second trip to state. As for freshman Lane Freeman, junior Kyle Hurst, senior Gina Jones, and Almeida, this was their first time competing in Regional Congress.

“I was thrilled for the new debaters to compete,” coach Melonie Menefee said. “They did really well, and I’m so proud of them.”

Both Menefee and Almeida are preparing for State Congress in Austin. Until then, they will be gathering information, researching their topics, and rehearsing their speeches.

“I’m excited to go to state again,” Menefee said. “I’m pretty confident with my chances of going to finals.”