On April 21, two seniors on the Computer Applications UIL team placed first and third in their state competition. The event itself is focused on using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access to create spreadsheets, reports and charts according to specific instructions. The team is given 30 minutes to complete the task they are instructed.

“For quite a while, I didn’t feel like it had actually happened,” first place winner Skylore Evans said. “But once it had settled in, [winning state] felt amazing. I had spent so much time preparing for that moment throughout the last two years, but I never really thought that it would happen.”

Evans, along with third place state qualifier Kelsi Jones, have put in many hours of preparation in class and after school. They partook in as many of the District, Region and State UIL tests from 2012 to 2016 as possible for practice exams.

“Skylore and I both didn’t make it to regionals last year, so we both were itching to make it this year, especially since it’s our last year here,”  Jones said. “We took about three tests a week in the weeks leading up to the big competitions and I took about 6 or 7 tests in one day on the night before district.”

The self-driven preparation by Evans and Jones rewarded Lindale UIL with another state win. The accomplishments will result in recognition presented as a plaque on the LHS wall of excellence.

“I am so proud of their state results,” Computer Applications UIL coach Amanda English said. “They have put in countless hours toward their state goal and undoubtedly deserve it.”