A hybrid tournament opportunity had several members of the debate team competing online for a round before traveling to Katy to finish the tournament in person, competing online again from the hotel before moving the next morning the the school for live rounds.  

While the entire team had planned to travel and compete, the football playoff game meant that members who are also on the cheer squad and Brigade members had conflicts. Junior Tristan Cole and seniors Nicollette Arabie and Mason Ayles competed in both Congress and Extemporaneous Speaking, and Arabie also competed in Impromptu Speaking. 

“I didn’t advance to finals, but I did improve from my earlier meets,” Ayles said. “I had fun traveling and competing, though.” 

Cole agreed that the meet “was great practice and a lot of fun.” When the students weren’t debating they spent some time practicing and some time relaxing. 

“Nicolette advanced in Congress and was competing online in the hotel room, and Mrs. Menefee was judging online in another room,” Ayles said. “Tristan and I stayed out of their way and played pool in the lobby in between practicing for extemp the next day.” 

Arabie was aiming for a spot in finals to get a bid to a national tournament but came up one point short. The next day, however, she came back strong and placed in both Extemp and Impromptu Speaking.  

“It was disappointing to not quite make finals and so not get a bid,” she said. “I have more opportunities, though, and I will keep working.”