Hello Friends, Neighbors and Colleagues:

Please Note the revised schedule on the schedule page!

The students of Athens High School Speech and Debate, along with Nicole Cornish and I, would like to invite you back to our community for a quality face to face forensic experience. We will again be returning to our TFA/UIL swing format with a full TFA tournament Friday November 11, and a full UIL practice tournament including all academics and middle school events on Saturday, November 12. Athens High School, our parents and students, and the community of Athens Texas would hope that you all will come and experience our open armed welcome as we show off the best hosting experience our community has to offer.

The details:

Deadlines: Entries must be completed by Thursday, November 3rd. Drops for speech & debate events made after Tuesday, November 8th at 5:00 pm will result in the loss of your entry fee. Drops made the day of the tournament will result in a $100.00 drop fee.

Cross Entering: Please note that aside from Congress, students entered in Debate may not cross enter in any other event. If you are entered in any of the other events, there is no prohibition on cross entering. You are able to cross enter into as many events as you want but we urge you to be cautious with this.

Judging: Each school will be required to provide reasonably qualified judges using this customary formula:

CX Debate: One judge per two teams or part thereof

LD Debate: One judge per two entries or part thereof

PFD: One Judge per two teams or part thereof

Speaking Events: One judge for each 6 entries or part thereof

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Nicole Cornish or I. We are also available by email:

Nicole Cornish Walter Willis

School phone: 903-677-6920 School Phone: 903-677-6920

Cell: 903-570-4949 Cell: 713-819-2082

NCornish@AthensISD.net WWillis@AthensISD.net

Hospitality and student meals. As forensics sponsors and debate coaches, Mrs. Cornish and I are both characterized largely by our East Texas roots. Hosting is something we take seriously, and particularly hospitality. Our community is eager to host you and your kids and we expect you to leave with great memories of the competition and the collegiality and the food. In that vein, we are making every effort to be sure the food offerings to the kids in concessions do not represent the typical fundraiser concession stand fare.

Coronavirus Protocols. We are mindful that this virus is continuing to require our vigilance. We are going to recommend common sense and consideration for others above all else. While we will require no specific protocols at this time, we do reserve the right to change this approach should the community appear to be experiencing a surge. It is our hope that all who attend are comfortable with the face to face experience and our prayer that the only thing ‘spread’ is a neighborly spirit and the educational rigor of a fine forensic competition.

Warm Regards,

Nicole and Walter