Amarillo High School senior Hayden Brillhart claimed the state championship in the UIL 5A State Student Congress tournament on Thursday, January 8, in Austin, marking a historic first for the Amarillo Independent School District (AISD).
According to AISD officials, Brillhart’s victory is the district’s first state championship in this competitive academic event. In the same tournament, Tascosa High School senior Hudson Turman earned third place, meaning AISD students now hold two of the top three spots in the state for 5A schools.
“This is an incredible achievement for our students and the district,” AISD officials said in a statement. “Their hard work, dedication, and leadership in the classroom and beyond are truly commendable.”
The UIL State Student Congress tournament challenges high school students to research, debate, and legislate on a range of contemporary issues, requiring both public speaking and critical thinking skills. Brillhart’s performance highlights Amarillo High School’s growing reputation in academic competitions, while Turman’s third-place finish underscores Tascosa High School’s competitive strength in the event.
AISD officials emphasized that these results reflect the district’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and preparing students for success in statewide competitions.
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