World Schools Debate Team places second at TFA State Tournament

The Dripping Springs High School World Schools Debate team of Liam Ianiro, Will McAdams and Zoey Parks delivered a historic performance by placing second at the Texas Forensic Association (TFA) State Tournament on Saturday, March 8 in Fulshear.

The trio, named Dripping Springs Gold, compiled a 10-1 tournament record while narrowly falling in the final round to reigning champions, Flower Mound, by a 2-1 decision.

Dripping Springs also saw success in the speech events, with Evie Grimm and Claire Unger advancing to the quarterfinals for the second time. Audrey Staker earned quarterfinalist honors in Informative Speaking for the second consecutive year, while Anvika Jain made a strong debut at the state level, securing a quarterfinal finish in Program Oral Interpretation.

The speech and debate program qualified a total of 19 students for the 2025 TFA State Tournament, tying a school record from 2023. In order to qualify, students must earn at least 12 points throughout the competition season by placing at TFA qualifying tournaments.