The UIL Academic team competed in the Whitehouse High School “Winter Classic” Invitational meet on Saturday, Jan. 26. The Chapel Hill team held the first two places all day but ended up placing 6th out of all area schools since the debate team was unable to attend.

Medalists included Abigail Robertson who won 1st place, Haydee Gutierrez who placed 4th, and Amie Nguyen who placed 5th for Ready Writing under the coaching of Melissa Avery. For Jessica Otte’s Journalism team, Robertson placed 3rd and Hailee Latimer who placed 5th in News. Francis Nichelle Morell placed 3rd and Hailee Latimer placed 5th in Feature Writing. Latimer also placed 6th in Headline. As a team, total, they came in 2nd place by only two points.

“I am so proud of this Journalism team”, said Otte. “This is a rebuilding year with many new members, but apparently these kids showed up to win some hardware.”

Haleigh Sanders placed 5th in Lori Center’s Spelling event, and Nicholas Livingston placed 6th for Mark Kennedy’s Computer Science event. Poetry student, Jenea Travier placed 3rd while Key’Are Ford placed 6th under the coaching of Julie Westerman. For Alexandria Knight’s Copy Editing event, Jennifer Thornton placed 2nd and Robertson placed 5th.

“I had a great time,” said Thornton. “I can’t wait for the next meet.”

The next academic meet will be held at Hallsville High School on Saturday, Feb. 16. Teams will compete at the District meet Monday, March 25 at Spring Hill High School.