SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 440
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 State of Texas, 88th
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 from the
Texas Senate.
Eckhardt
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 19, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate