Panola Congress

ESC Region 7 UIL Congressional Debate Workshop & Invitational
Sponsored by Panola College Theater Department

September 18, 2023

We are excited to announce that Panola College has agreed to host an ESC7 Invitational on October 18, 2023. During the summer, a few coaches and Kimberley Funderburk, Panola College Theater Professor, were discussing the fast turnaround from receiving legislation and the regional meet as well as how our congressional debaters are frequently involved in multiple other activities in the fall, and it’s hard to find the time to research the entire docket. Mrs. Funderburk volunteered to host our first annual research and invitational meet.

In the morning, students (and their coaches) will be given time to research and write speeches for the prelim legislation. If there are challenging bills or resolutions, coaches can work together to team teach groups about a subject area. After the release of the legislation and end of registration, a group email will be started to formulate a precise plan for the morning workshops based on the experience and needs of the teams involved.

In the afternoon, that research time will be put to use and chambers will be created so that students can practice and compete. Each room will receive individual awards at the end of the day as there will not be a “finals.” The cost is $10 per student made payable to Panola College Theater. Coaches are required to be willing to judge as needed or bring a judge with them. Experience not necessary. This is where judges can learn too. No judges will be hired.

Students will need to bring laptops/chromebooks to access Panola College wifi and research. There will be an initial limit of 5 students per school; however, at the close of registration, we will add waitlisted students as space allows. Bringing more than 5 students may create a need for a school to bring two judges.

The deadline to enter is Thursday, October 12. We will send waitlist notices on Friday, the 13th.

We hope that you will consider joining us on October 18th.

Registration link: https://forms.gle/qZcY2fxQ46x8XbcLA
Invoice (add your number of entries and print): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/193GUWy2zTlFxYOAeqSiGZY0EWoD—54AUAFB-OAZHk/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks,

Kimberley Funderburk, Host
kfunderburk@panola.edu

Kimberly Sloane & Doug Moore, Meet Directors
kimberly.sloane@chirenoisd.org
douglasmoore5591@gmail.com

Schedule

8:00 – 8:15 Check In, QM Martin Auditorium

8:15 – 11:00 Workshop (students and coaches will be assigned to chambers before dismissal)

11:00 – 12:00 Lunch

12:00 – 3:00 Congressional Debate Sessions (plan to be in assigned room at noon)

3:15 Awards