The Hempstead High School UIL Academic team has been training for months, putting in countless hours of practice and hard work. The students recently competed at the 24AAA UIL Academic Contest on March 24, at Wharton County Junior College.
Eighteen students competed in several categories, but it was in the areas of Prose and Poetry that earned students the District Champion title. Jesus Montero-Oliva was awarded 1st place in Prose, making him a District Champion. He advanced to Region and also received a $1,000 scholarship to Wharton County Junior College. Nadia Moreno was awarded 1st place in Poetry, advanced to Region, and received a $1,000 scholarship to Wharton County Junior College. The judges were impressed with the skill and talent of the students. But the team's success didn't end there. They also placed 3rd Overall Speech Team and students placed in the Top 6 in various categories. The students participated in Number Sense, Mathematics, Calculator Applications, Science, Social Studies, Current Events, Prose Interpretation, Poetry Interpretation, Informative Speaking, and Persuasive Speaking.
For the students, the win wasn't just about the medals and trophies they brought home. It was about the sense of accomplishment and pride they felt in representing their school and community. It was about the knowledge and skills they had gained that will serve them well in college and beyond. The
Congratulations to the following students:
Science coached by Abigail Murray
Damian Vega-Stephens - 5th place (Alternate to Region)
Biology Section
Damian Vega-Stephens - 2nd place (Alternate to Region)
Physics Section
Jonathan Carranza - 6th place (Alternate to Region)
Social Studies Coached by Wesley Wilson
Maeli Smith - 6th place (Alternate to Region)
Prose Interpretation coached by Gabriel Arias
Jesus Montero-Oliva - District Champion (Advancing to Region and recipient of a $1,000 scholarship to Wharton County Junior College)
Anayanzeth Salinas-Vargas - 2nd place (Advancing to Region and recipient of a $500 scholarship to Wharton County Junior College)
Poetry Interpretation coach by Gabriel Arias
Nadia Moreno - District Champion (Advancing to Region and recipient of a $1,000 scholarship to Wharton County Junior College)
Joseph Apodaca - 5th place (Alternate to region)
Persuasive Speaking coached by Gabriel Arias
Anayanzeth Salinas-Vargas - 6th place (Alternate to Region)