Grapevine High School senior Peyton Squires and junior Piyush Mallick will compete in the UIL 5A Cross Examination Debate State Tournament to be held March 21-22 at the University of Texas at Austin. The team advanced after finishing as the first place team in the UIL 5A-District 6 competition in January where the team went undefeated. Squires was also named the top speaker.
In Cross Examination Debate, two-person teams debate in favor or against a policy. This year’s topic is “Should the United States Strengthen its Protections of Different Forms of Intellectual Property.”
During each round, which can last approximately an hour and 30 minutes, teams take turns making their case and participating in cross examination periods, similar to lawyers cross examining witnesses in a courtroom.
“You have to be paying attention the whole time,” Squires emphasized because “one missed detail could cost you the round.”
While Squires hopes to pursue a career as an astrophysicist and Mallick hopes to enter the field of computer science, both recognize the skills debate offers.
Squires shared that when listening, it helps him better understand the other person’s reasons on how they arrive at an opinion.
Meanwhile, Mallick has strengthened his oratorical skill and delivery.
As they look ahead to the state competition, both remain focused on enjoying the experience.
“We are both pretty competitive, but for now it’s just about having fun,” Squires stated.