Junior Cale Wheeler competed at State UIL Congress Jan. 8 at the Texas Capitol. Wheeler did not advance to the finals, placing sixth, though expressed excitement at having been a part of it and has set his sights on being among the top competitors in the future.
“I’m proud of making it as far as I did,” Wheeler said. “I finished one place short of advancing, which was kind of disappointing, but I still think I did pretty well in the competition.”
UIL Congress revolves around writing and presenting speeches concerning numerous bills and resolutions, followed by debates between competitors over the topics discussed. Competitors must be prepared in their writing, speaking and debate skills and do adequate research on the appropriate legislation.
“I did a lot of preparing for writing and giving my speeches,” Wheeler said. “I had to research all the laws and regulations surrounding the topic before I could even write them to make sure everything was accurate and relevant, and even after that was done, I kept practicing my speeches so that I’d be able to give it with confidence [at the event].”
Wheeler is the first State Congress qualifier from Lampasas in over a decade, a mark of pride for both himself and Speech and Debate Coach Judith Ann McGhee. Despite placing shy of the finals, both are holding hope for the future.
“Cale prepared all of his speeches on his own,” McGhee said. “He debated every topic that came to the floor, and did well.”
McGhee expressed appreciation for Congressional Debate, citing its fast pace and realistic approach to readying an individual “for the real world,” and praising the skills students are able to acquire through participation.
“Congressional Debate is one of my favorite contests,” McGhee said. “Thinking quickly and keeping up with world events and headlines can teach us so much about the world in which we live. The skills learned through speech and debate competitions will stay with students forever.”
