Lindale’s debate team competed at congress regions for state qualifications Monday at Region 7 building in Kilgore, Texas. Juniors Kylon Kincade placed 8th and is an alternate for state, Madison Barnes placed 5th and is a state qualifier, and Hailey Maccalous placed 3rd and is a state qualifier.
“I think it’s great that we are able to take so many to state this year, 2022 was the last time we took more than one kid to state,” speech and debate coach Rory McKenzie said. “It’s great for us and very exciting.”
Lindale was able to enter 5 students for competition, juniors Barnes, Kincade, Maccalous, and sophomores Ethan Barchack and Conner Stevens. All five students qualified for the finals round. Senior Flor Mendez and sophomore Audrey Ratlif went as entry alternates.
“There was an expanded number of kids that could compete and make it to state this year, and the fact that all five Lindale students made it to the finals round was truly a testament to the quality of kids we have and the relative strength we have in the region,” McKenzie said.
