Sunday, June 16, 2024
The Tolar UIL Social Studies team placed second, and Merrick Warren placed fourth in the individual competition. The event occurred at the University of Texas in Austin, Tuesday, May 14. The competition was held in the Robert A. Welch Hall at 1 p.m., and the results were announced in the Hogg Memorial Auditorium hours later.
The THS Social Studies team placed first in regionals (the round before state, held at Grayson College in Denison), and the team members individually placed first, second, third and fourth. Therefore, they qualified to compete at the state level.
Schools from 1A to 6A participated, with Tolar representing the 2A category. The THS team consisted of seniors Jaxson Boisjolie and Hunter Keith, and juniors Nick Florea and Merrick Warren, with senior Cage Wolf present as an alternate.
Tolar ISD arranged transportation, with the UIL Coordinator Landi Friemel driving, accompanied by social studies teacher and coach Cal Lowry. Family members, including Michael and Melanie Warren, Terese Wilson, Joyce Blitch, JoAnne Huston and Linda Bell, attended the event to support the team.
Initially nervous, the team members' anxiety eased upon entering the testing room. The state competition, a rigorous 90-minute test, required participants to answer 45 multiple-choice questions and write an expository essay. The essay focused this year on the Indian Independence Movement and the geography of countries around India. Over 200 contestants from various school levels participated, with approximately 300 attendees overall.
With a record of six state championships, Lowry led the team's preparation. Tolar has consistently had representation at the state level under his guidance.
“We couldn’t be prouder of the team!” Melanie Warren, a parent, said. Although the team did not clinch the top spot, the journey was deemed a significant achievement. The team acknowledged the need for more preparation, particularly with new members joining next year.
Tolar High School's participation in the UIL Social Studies State Competition showcased its dedication, skill, and spirit of continuous improvement.
