At UIL regionals, Derrick Jackson competed in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Extemporaneous Speaking. He placed 3rd in Persuasive Extemp and is advancing to state where he will compete on May 24th against 11 of Texas’ best speakers in the 2A classification.

“Getting into state was pretty exciting. I’m really happy five speeches and debaters are going,” Jackson said.

Jackson is only a Junior, meaning he’ll have one more year to accomplish such a feat again.

“I’m really glad I’m going to state my junior year, so I set my standards for my senior year,” Jackson said.

Jackson was very nervous competing in finals at regionals with his friends in the room in while he spoke. 

“It was really nerve-wracking to see my friends when I walked into the room, but they also gave me confidence to make my speech better for them,” Jackson said.

One of his fellow competitors and teammate Lavita Basham watched Derrick’s finals’ performance and thought he did well.

“When I watched Derrick I thought he did well and did a good job getting over being nervous,” Basham said.

Jackson looks to do well in state and hopes to improve throughout the rest of his high school career.

“ I hope I advance to finals in state and maybe win state next year,” Jackson said.