Carthage High School junior Clayton Elliott has been named the UIL 4A State Runner-Up in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, following an outstanding performance at the 2025 UIL State Speech and Debate Tournament, held May 19–20 at the University of Texas at Austin.
Elliott advanced through several rounds of rigorous competition, ultimately earning second place in the state among the top high school debaters in Conference 4A. This year’s UIL spring debate resolution challenged students to argue both sides of the topic: “Standardized testing is detrimental to equity in K-12 education.”
As part of the Lincoln-Douglas format, Elliott was required to prepare and deliver arguments supporting both the affirmative and negative sides of the issue, a demanding task that showcases a student’s analytical ability and persuasive skill.
CHS Debate Coach Julissa DeJulian expressed her pride in Elliott’s achievement. “Clayton worked tirelessly this season, and his second-place finish is a direct reflection of that dedication. Whether he was affirming or negating the resolution, he demonstrated depth of thought and poise under pressure. I couldn’t be more proud of the competitor and talented young man he is.”
Elliott’s accomplishment marks a significant milestone for the Carthage High School debate program and highlights the strength of academic competition within Carthage ISD. His success would not be possible without the continued encouragement from his family, school staff, and the Carthage community, whose incredible support makes opportunities like this possible for students like Clayton.