The State Speech Honor Crew is designed for exemplary speech students who are not already involved in the Speech State Meet but who demonstrate outstanding qualities. The Honor Crew assists in administering the State Meet through chairing competition rounds, timekeeping and serving as monitors, providing an amazing learning opportunity.

It will be necessary for those selected to be in Austin from late afternoon Sunday, May 17, through Tuesday late afternoon, May 19 . Attendance at a training session on Sunday at 6 p.m. is required. Students must be nominated by their speech coach. Nominations should be based on academic and competitive excellence in your speech and debate program. Maturity is vital so upperclassmen will receive preferential selection. 

Students nominated must be academically capable and eligible. Every effort will be made to select members from all regions and all conferences. Coaches may nominate more than one student. For additional information about the nomination process, click here.

Spring 2026 LD Debate Topic

• “Important Message: Additional legislation will be posted on each State docket so be sure to return to this webpage again for new bills and resolutions that will be debated at the State Meet. Dockets for State will have a total o 20 pieces of legislation — 10 for prelims and 10 for finals."

The author does not allow cuts for competition.

Competition cuts are not allowed for this title, per publisher, Dramatists Play Service.

Designed for teachers with little or no training in competitive debate, five workshops are planned at various sites,  including  in-person sessions at 4 locations:

• Region 12, Waco - August 8
• Rocksprings ISD - August 16
• Three Rivers HS - August 9
• Big Spring HS - August 16

A workshop via Zoom will also be offered on August 16, which requires pre-registration. 

CX Debate challenges bright students to develop higher-order critical thinking skills and active problem solving, engage in deeper research experiences and strengthen communication skills in the realm of advocacy. Long-term, debate builds informed citizens, enhances career success, and creates life-long learners. School participation can add significant points to the academic district sweepstakes and provides the opportunity to advance debaters to a state championship.

For additional information, contact Jana Riggins, State Debate Director: jriggins@uiltexas.org | 512-471-5883 

Students who earn more than 50 points through competition at the local, regional, state and national levels earn acceptance to the All-State Journalism Staff. For 2025, UIL will recognize 245 students for overall excellence in scholastic journalism from UIL competition to yearbook, newspaper, online news and broadcast journalism competitions. Congratulations to all these outstanding students and their advisers. 

See the list of honorees here. 

See the list of criteria here. 

1A-*Lisa Hale , Mike Doggett, Patty MacMullen (updated 3/16)

2A-* Larry Balfe, Joi Hughes, Cade Butler

3A-*Yvonne Phillips Dupree, Shari Bellizi Davis, Gary Cooper

4A-*Rena Cook, Jenae Glanton, Ray Newburg

5A-* Jim Mammarella, Cathy Huvar, Terry Lewis (updated 3/31)

6A-* Carrie Klypchak, Eric Skiles, Ezekiel Morgan

*acting awards judge

Wild Card teams will be tentative and posted for a 24-hour verification period. If you have disputes or questions, send them to academics@uiltexas.org. Wild card teams will be considered final on April 2, 2025 at 4 pm.