SKIDMORE —Skidmore-Tynan ISD has qualified four students for the 2012-13 University Interscholastic League State Cross-Examination Debate Meet to be held March 11-16 at the University of Texas at Austin.

Qualifiers include: 1st place – Clarissa Reyna, Shiloh Dial; and 2nd place – Catie Alford and Katie Sweetman. The students qualified for the state meet by placing first or second at the UIL Cross-Examination District Meet held at Mathis ISD on Monday, Feb. 2.

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

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 $25 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.

For more information, contact Principal Justin Crittenden at Skidmore-Tynan High School at 361-287-3426 or the UIL at 512-471-5883.