AJ Garcia-Robles and Kori Iglehart, a debate team from Godley High School, qualified for state competition for the third year in a row after advancing from the District 12-4A contest on February 4, 2026, at Alvarado High School.

Garcia-Robles and Iglehart earned first place in Cross-Examination (CX) Debate to secure a state bid.

Also placing were the teams of Ava Jackson and Lesley Rodriguez, who finished fourth overall after earning first place during the preliminary round, and Brett Fancher and Grace Jackson, who placed sixth.

“These students have been working on their cases all year, and I am extremely proud of their dedication and effort,” said Jeff Hughes, Godley High School speech and debate coach.

CX Debate pairs two students as a team and focuses on analyzing complex issues, conducting in-depth research, and applying principles of argumentation and advocacy to present effective cases for or against a given proposition.

The 2025–26 debate topic centers on the Arctic: “Resolved: The U.S. federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic.” Teams must develop an affirmative plan supporting the resolution and prepare negative strategies to counter opposing plans.

The UIL state debate tournament is scheduled for Mar. 20–21 at the University of Texas at Austin.