Trustees recognize student success at Feb. 26 meeting

Midlothian ISD is proud to celebrate each month during school board meetings the excellence in academics, athletics, and fine arts that is demonstrated by our students and staff.

 

This month trustees recognized Midlothian High School sophomore William Drake. William was selected as a percussionist to the 5A All-State Band. He is one of only 14 percussionists selected from across the state.

 

Beginning each fall, over 70,000 high school students across the state audition in their TMEA Region. Individuals perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. A select group of musicians advances to compete against musicians from other Regions in their TMEA Area. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in one of 18 Texas All-State ensembles sponsored by the Band, Orchestra, and Vocal Divisions.

 

William traveled to San Antonio earlier this month for the Texas Music Educators convention and participated in clinics before performing with musicians from around the state in the All State Band concert that was held Feb. 10 during the state music educators conference. 

 

 

Trustees also recognized Midlothian High School senior Jade Young. She qualified to compete at the state tournament in Congressional Debate and at the state competition she finished in 9th Place.

 

Congress is an individual contest in a large group setting. It models the legislative process of democracy, specifically, the United States Congress. Within this mock legislative assembly competition, contestants draft legislation, research the docket of bills and resolutions dealing with real-world policies prior to the contest and present extemporaneous speeches. 

 

In addition to her 9th place finish, Jade has also received two awards from the National Speech and Debate Association. She has been named the District Student of the Year and an Academic All-American. She was the first junior at MHS to ever achieve this.

 

District Student of the Year is the highest honor that each district can bestow. MHS is in a district that encompasses the entire northeast part of the state. Additionally, only 2% of NSDA member students receive the academic all-American award. The Academic All-American award recognizes high school students who have earned the degree of Superior Distinction (750 points); completed at least 5 semesters of high school; demonstrated outstanding character and leadership; and earned at least a GPA of 3.7.