May 11th, 2010
Morse takes another first place and makes school history

San Marcos High School senior Irene Morse (left) receives a pendulous medal.

STAFF REPORT

San Marcos High School (SMHS) senior Irene Morse made school history when she won the University Interscholastic League (UIL) state championship in persuasive speaking at the competition last Saturday, repeating her first place victory in 2009. This championship marks the third state title in any event in the history of San Marcos High School (SMHS), with the second being Morse’s win last year.

“I still can’t believe it happened,” said Morse, wearing the UIL’s special 100th anniversary commemorative award.  “And this medal is huge!”

In the persuasive speaking event, the participant draws a topic and has 30 minutes to prepare a seven-minute speech. Morse’s topic in the final round was “Do current U.S. relations with North Korea represent a major success for the Obama administration?”

Because Morse won the state title last year, it was thought that it would be difficult to repeat that victory this year.

“What Irene has accomplished is truly historic,” said SMHS speech and debate coach, C.J. Odam. “It’s historic for both SMHS and the UIL.”

With two state championships and numerous district and regional titles, Morse ends her high school career as the most decorated competitor in the history of San Marcos High School.

The speech and debate team is coached by the brother and sister team of Lacye and C.J. Odam.

Irene Morse (front) stands with San Marcos High School Speech and Debate coaches Lacye (left) and C.J. Odam.