Shelbyville students Maddie Lout, Travis Caporali, Payton McGee, and Gaylon Harrison are headed to the state competition in cross-examination debate.

In the 2A District 24 competition, Payton and Gaylon placed 2nd, while Maddie and Travis secured 1st place. Travis Caporali also earned the distinction of top speaker.

This year’s U.I.L. cross-examination debate topic is: "The United States federal government should significantly strengthen its protection of domestic intellectual property rights in copyrights, patents, and/or trademarks."

Both teams will compete at the state meet in Austin on March 17-18. Shelbyville Speech and Debate is coached by Emily Sowell and Crystal Harrison.