For months students in the speech and debate program rehearsed their material until it was competition ready.

One of the biggest competitions the program participates in is the University of Texas Forensics Program’s Longhorn Classic. After competing in this event for the second consecutive year, Akins students improved on their results, bringing home four awards.

“I’m very happy to have been one of Akins Speech and Debate members to accept an award at UT,” said senior Jose Lozano. “Thanks to the help of my mentors from UT and of course from Mr. (Jesus) Valles.”

Students spent hours after school and on Saturdays practicing for the tournament. Speech teacher Jesus Valles brings students from UT to help Akins students polish their work.

Before the Longhorn Classic, many Akins students advanced to semi-finals and finals at various local competitions. However, the UT tournament drew competitors from across the state and even out of state.

With their previous successes, the team had confidence for doing well at the Longhorn Classic.

“UT is going to be difficult, because we have people coming from all over the nation,” said Jesus Cruz. “But I feel confident about our team.”

Never the less some team members were nervous.

“I’m really excited but I’m also really nervous,” said Tyra Williams. “It helps to have teammates that are very nice and welcoming to me.”

The whole team says they had a lot of fun together.

“I feel great about my teammates,” said sophomore Jesse-Lee Farquhar. “They are all so talented, it’s amazing. I love our Akins team, we’re so close.”

While at the UT campus, emotions and laughs as well were high. With every competitor watching each other perform for the judges, came many more nerves.

“Every one was so good,” said sophomore Tyra. “It really made me more nervous, but we all had something good to say about each others performances.”

Despite the competitive nature of the event, students said they appreciated each other’s efforts.

“I wanted to cry after a few of the performances,” Williams said. “Everyone had very intense works of writing that they used. I’m so proud to be in an organization that shows the human mind in a unique way.”

With many competitors from anywhere for anyone with in the speech and debate community it was tough competition for the Akins Eagles.

“Only three of our students won awards,” Valles said. “Yet we are still proud to say we have a successful team this year. I know everyone gave it all they had and left it all on the table.”

Alumna Savannah Stookey accepted an award in the semi-finals for poetry and a duo with Jose Lozano. Tyra Williams also accepted a semi-finals award for poetry. Lozano also received an overall fourth place award for poetry.