As third grader Kayleen To sits staring out the window dreamily, she looks out the window while kids talk noisily around her. Kayleen thinks about whether or not she can win the contest

Challenging herself to make it as far as she could, Kayleen DID win–2nd place.

Kayleen first learned about the UIL by her third grade teacher. She had many options on what teams she wanted to join, but one event especially gained her interest.

“I think one team that caught my attention was spelling,” sophomore Kayleen To said.

During her time on the team, she practiced and practiced, went to competitions, and earned medals along the way. She got 2nd place in the UIL spelling bee. She was on the debate team freshman year, and has won 6th place in the UIL Debate tournament. She is also competing in the feature writing currently.

“I remember making it to district and regionals when I was on the spelling team,” Kayleen said. “I was so proud of pushing myself to my limits.”

Kayleen was on the debate team freshman year, and won 6th place in the UIL Debate tournament. She is also currently competing in  feature writing. When Kayleen became a sophomore, she joined the newspaper class.

“I joined the newspaper class by the counselors recommendation my freshman year since they knew I loved spelling,” she said.  “I want to experience the thing I loved when I was in elementary school which was competing in UIL events.”