Age: 17

Grade: 11th

Event: Feature Writing

How long you’ve been competing: This is my second year.

What’s the most challenging/nerve-wracking thing about your event: The way my event is graded makes it difficult. It gets to be somewhat opinionated. I can follow the rules on the style of writing 100%, but it's up to the judge on whether or not the overall article is good.

First thing you’ll do when you win: I won't believe it, and then I'll call my family. First my grandma, then my parents.

Past honors in the event: Last year I won 2nd place at the Sonora UIL Meet and 6th place at the district meet. This year I won 1st at the district meet, and 3rd at region.

Extracurricular activities/other UIL events: I'm also in the Pure Gold Band, in which I am next year's Senior Drum Major, and I write for the school newspaper.

College plans: I plan on going to the University of North Texas in Denton and major in journalism.

Birthplace: Abilene

One thing your parents, a sibling or even a best friend might not know about you: I don't thank my family and friends enough for their support through everything. If I start to doubt myself, they are always there to keep me going. Without them I wouldn't accomplish my goals.