Three MPHS Speech and Debate team members competed in the Texas Forensic Association (TFA) State Tournament during Spring Break. The tournament was held at Gregory Portland High School in Portland, a suburb of Corpus Christi, on March 10-12, 2022.

The Cross Examination team of senior Connelly Cowan and junior Anthony Orellana advanced out of prelims as the 8th seed out of 52 schools. They finished the tournament as quarterfinalists, ranking in the top 8 teams defeating Houston Memorial, Liberal Arts and Science Academy, Boerne, Coppell, and Jesuit. It is the highest finish for an MPHS CX team at TFA State in school history.

Cowan was recognized one of the top 10 speakers at state, earning 2nd place out of 104 total competitors, just .4 back of the top spot. Orellana finished as the 13th ranked speaker.

Additionally, Cowan earned the Barbara Garner scholarship, one of only six scholarships presented to graduating seniors. Cowan is a four-time TFA State qualifier and has earned multiple awards in CX Debate and International Extemp. Senior Taylor Hubbs competed in International Extemp. She is a three-time TFA State qualifier.

The Texas Forensic Association is open to all public, private and charter schools in Texas. In order to qualify for the State tournament, team members had to compete at qualifying tournaments earlier in the year and earn 10 points. Points are earned every time a student places in an event at a qualifying tournament.

Students at the TFA State tournament are not divided by school type or school size. MPHS team members competed against private schools as well as large 6A programs from across the state.

Cowan and Orellana will compete at the UIL State CX Debate Tournament in Austin on March 18-19. MPHS Speech and Debate is coached by Enrique Martinez.

Photo L to R: Anthony Orellana and Connelly Cowan with their TFA State awards