Debaters heading to state and nationals

BRENHAM— The Anahuac High School Speech and Debate Team recently competed in the UIL Conference 3A Region III Spring Meet, earning qualifications for state, and one dynamic duo will head to nationals. 

The regional competition was held on Saturday, April 26 at Blinn College, where students Brayden Bogie, Tina Ly, Tammy Ly and Stoni Royer competed for a spot at state. 

Bogie qualified for state by earning first place in the Lincoln Douglas Debate. He also placed fourth in informative speech. 

Bogie and Royer both competed in the Douglas debate, receiving their topic back in December. Both students prepared their arguments for five months, both in practice and at various competitions. 

The two focused on rebuttals and responses to arguments from other teams, developing their evidence to support their claims. 

Tammy Ly earned a spot at state by placing first in persuasive speech. Tina Ly placed sixth in informative speech. 

The Ly sisters competed exclusively in extemporaneous speaking for this competition and Bogie also competed in the same category. 

They were given a topic on current domestic or foreign affairs, had 30 minutes to prepare, then delivered a seven-minute speech in front of a panel of three judges. To prepare, they spent three months researching current events around the world. 

All four students practiced four days each week, delivering speeches, rebuttals and listening to feedback from teammates and their coach, Kaitlyn Bennett. 

The state competition will be held in Austin at the University of Texas on Monday, May 19 and Tuesday, May 20. 

In addition to their success at the regional meet, the Ly sisters will head to Iowa for the national competition, competing in the cross-examination debate category. The pair will make Anahuac history as the first to reach the national level. 

"Qualifying for nationals means hope. Hope that where you come from does not define how far you can go. That even in the smallest schools, with limited resources and program funding, a small-town story can become a national voice," the Ly sisters said in a joint statement. "This moment isn't just about us- it's about rewriting the narrative for future generations of Anahuac ISD students who've been made to doubt the power of their voices and dreams. Stepping onto the national stage means carrying the hope of those who never imagined they'd be seen there. That's what this means to us, and we are just getting started." 

The duo qualified for the National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament by placing third in CX/Policy Debate at the Space City District Tournament in April. 

They competed against other state-ranked cross-examination teams, including Seven Lakes, Memorial, Village and Tompkins high schools. 

"For me, qualification means accomplishing what many thought was impossible for a small-town team like ours," Bennett said. "While Tina and Tammy are undoubtedly gifted, their success is not just a result of talent—it's the product of countless hours of hard work and dedication." 

Bennett approached the sisters in August, asking them to be the "guinea pigs" for the cross-examination program. 

"Not only did they accept the challenge—they blazed a trail and set a standard that will serve as guidance for Anahuac's future CX teams," Bennett said.

Bennett explained that at many schools, it can take about four years for a cross-examination team to develop the skillset needed to qualify for nationals.

"Their qualification is proof that with enough determination, hard work truly does pay off," Bennett said. "I am extremely proud of this team and I cannot wait to see what happens in June."

To fund the trip to nationals and for a summer camp, Bennett organized a brisket fundraiser, which will be held on Saturday, May 24. Each order is $100 for a fully cooked 12 to 14-pound brisket.

Orders can be picked up at the back of the Anahuac Middle School Annex at 706 Mikhael Ricks Drive, Anahuac. To place an order, contact Bennett at 281-770-9955 or by email at bennettk@aisdpanthers.com.