88R23728 CJM-D
By: Eckhardt S.R. No. 440
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The University of Texas at Austin speech team
continued its tradition of excellence by winning the team
sweepstakes championship at the 2023 American Forensic Association
National Speech Tournament; and
WHEREAS, Competing from April 1 through 3 in Santa Ana,
California, UT triumphed over 56 other universities to collect its
second consecutive AFA national crown and the ninth in program
history; the Longhorns were sparked by the individual championship
performances of Valeria Najera in communication analysis, Kaylee
Frazier in dramatic interpretation, and Patrick Pham in prose
interpretation; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, five members of the UT squad achieved
top-six showings; advancing to the finals were René Otero in duo
interpretation, extemporaneous speaking, and impromptu speaking,
Fernando Cereceres in program oral interpretation and prose
interpretation, Kai Solis in duo interpretation, Jennifer Gonzalez
in poetry interpretation, and Kyle Ahern in prose interpretation;
and
WHEREAS, Housed in the Department of Communication Studies
within the Moody College of Communication, the UT speech program is
directed by professor Martin "Randy" Cox; coaches Eva Margarita,
Clay Parker, Evan Ortiz, Karon Bowers, Katayoun Khalilian, and Erin
Swearingen also provide valuable support; and
WHEREAS, Demonstrating remarkable skill and determination,
the members of the UT speech team have once again earned the mantle
of national champion, and they may indeed reflect with pride on a
job well done; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby congratulate The University of Texas speech team on winning
the team sweepstakes championship at the 2023 American Forensic
Association National Speech Tournament and extend to the
competitors and coaches sincere best wishes for continued success;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas
Senate.