Waxahachie High School academic UIL finished 2nd place overall in the district meet on March 27. They finished 2nd behind Waco Midway, and many students will advance to the regional meet this Saturday. There were 15 events participated in, and 10 students qualified for regionals. 

“It was great to have such a good showing at district this year since we didn’t really get to have a competition last year,” journalism coach Chrisanna Melick said.

In copy editing, Owen Bartosh placed 2nd, and in computer science, Ryan Harris finished 1st and Leah Gonzalez finished 3rd. 

“Computer science is something that I really enjoy, so I am excited to compete in regionals this year,” Harris said.

Editorial writing had one advancement by Maven Navarro, who finished 2nd; Navarro also placed 1st in headline writing while Morgan Lenamond finished 3rd. 

“I have been in journalism UIL since my freshman year, so I am always excited when I get to advance,” Navarro said. 

In feature writing, Katie Walker placed 1st and Emma Fletcher placed 3rd. In news writing, Walker got 1st place and Fletcher got 2nd. 

“I was very excited when I found out I was going to regionals,” Walker said. “Last year with COVID we weren’t able to go, so I am looking forward to it.”

Ella Crow finished 1st in persuasive speaking, and Danielle Lisiecki and Mariel Camargo placed 1st and 2nd in ready writing, respectively.

“This is my first year to compete on the UIL team, and I hope to continue throughout the rest of high school,” Crow said.

The total score came in at 359.33 points overall. These students will compete with eight surrounding schools on April 17. The top three places will advance to state and compete in Austin, Texas. 

“UIL is a fun thing to participate in, and I love getting to do it with one of my best friends Katie Walker,” Fletcher said. “We hope to make it to state this year!”