Junior Clarissa Reyna and freshman Katie Sweetman of Skidmore-Tynan High School participated in the 2011-12 University Interscholastic League State Cross-Examination Debate Meet held March 12-17 at the University of Texas-Austin.

The girls qualified for the state meet by placing first or second at the UIL Cross-Examination District Meet at Bishop ISD on Feb. 9.

“UIL debate competition motivates students and provides them with practical application for the skills they are developing,” said Jana Riggins, UIL debate director. “This year’s debate topic allowed students the opportunity to research and form their own thoughts and opinions on the real-world issue of space exploration and development.”

There are 23 general academic contests for UIL student participants to choose from. Of the 2.2 million students who participated in UIL activities last year, 637,000 competed in one or more academic contests.

Through participation at the UIL Academic State Meet, students qualify for Texas Interscholastic League Foundation scholarships. Since its inception in 1954, the TILF has provided more than $24 million to more than 16,000 students. This year, TILF expects to award an estimated 600 new and renewed grants valued at more than $1 million. Grants and donations from foundations and individuals have funded these academic scholarships. One hundred percent of each dollar TILF receives goes directly for scholarships with no administrative or other expenses being deducted.