Lometa students going to the UIL State Meet in Austin include, from left, Cassidy Wienecke, Katlyn Delp, Josh Logsdon and Kylie Bradley. It has been a memorable year for Lometa High School and its UIL teams. Competing at Abilene Christian University April 22-24, Lometa’s UIL competitors claimed the regional speech team championship and placed third in school point totals.

In addition, four individuals qualified for the State UIL Meet Saturday at the University of Texas in Austin.

A Lometa administrator lauded students’ effort and work that factored into the academic feat. “It’s a super accomplishment and thanks to the sponsors and teachers, these kids have been able to go far. This is a great group of kids,” said the administrator.

Cassidy Wienecke, the 2009 state extemporaneous/persuasive speaking champion placed first at regionals and will return to state to defend her title. The junior also qualified in poetry as a third-place winner, and is a cast member for Lometa’s state-qualifying One-Act Play.

“Cassidy is a very talented speaker and, although she has already won state once, she remains diligent as she strives to continue improving. She has worked very hard,” said speech coach and UIL coordinator Elizabeth Dickison.

Extemporaneous speaking and poetry are subjective by nature, she said. “She and I are very glad to be returning to state."

Kylie Bradley garnered a silver medal at regionals in ready writing, guaranteeing a spot in Saturday’s state writing contest. Placing third in prose, Kylie, a junior, will also perform at state in One-Act Play.

“Kylie is one of those rare students: confident, driven and talented. She has an enormous capacity for thoughtful expression, and I’m honored to be her teacher and her guide,” said Lometa writing coach Heather Whitley.

Katlyn Delp, a Lometa sophomore, will make her second appearance at the State UIL Meet in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. She was a silver medalist at regional competition and qualified in the same event as a freshman.

Josh Logsdon, a best actor winner at regionals in One-Act Play, placed third in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and will close out his senior year competing at the State UIL Meet.

“I can’t begin to say enough positive things about these two young people,” said Lometa debate coach Cheri Wienecke.

“Josh and Katlyn are both very talented debaters. They have worked incredibly hard, given up weekend after weekend, and devoted hour upon hour to competing and improving.

"These two have truly earned their spots at state. Josh has worked all four years of high school to get to this point, and this is his opportunity to show what he can do, while Katlyn is going back to leave her mark. I couldn’t be prouder of either of them.”