Two Carthage High School students, sophomores Caroline LaGrone and Brenden Selby qualified for the 2024 UIL Cross-Examination (CX) State Tournament to be held at the University of Texas at Austin on March 15-16. LaGrone and Selby placed first at the district competition, securing a spot at the state competition. Sophomore Jackquelyn Sigala and freshman Shia Wallace placed third at the district competition and qualified as alternates for the state competition.
Caroline LaGrone was also awarded Distinguished Speaker at the district competition.
This success is nothing new for Debate Coach Russell Rowe, who has had students qualify for the state debate tournament nine out of the last 11 years. The UIL began in 1910 as the Debating League of Texas High Schools and merged in 1912 with the Texas Interscholastic Athletic Association. Active participation in debate is a Texas tradition over a century old.
Carthage ISD extends its heartfelt congratulations to these talented students for their outstanding accomplishment and wishes them the best of luck as they prepare for the upcoming state tournament. Their success serves as an inspiration to their peers and a source of pride for the entire Carthage community.