Melissa High School junior Pradnya Chakka achieved an impressive 4th place finish at the UIL Congressional Debate State Tournament, held January 6-8, 2025. Competing against over 50 state-qualified participants—out of an initial pool of approximately 500 students statewide—Chakka's performance stood out as a testament to her dedication and skill.
Chakka competed at the UIL Congressional Debate Regional competition in November, where she emerged as the top competitor among 50 participants to secure her place at state.
UIL Congressional Debate challenges students to simulate the legislative process of the U.S. Congress. Participants draft and research legislation on real-world issues, engaging in structured debates to discuss, amend, and vote on proposals. Competitors are evaluated on the quality of their speeches, their ability to articulate arguments, and their engagement in group deliberations.
A big thank you to MISD Debate teacher Brenden Dimmig for his dedicated guidance in helping students succeed. Congratulations once again to Pradnya Chakka on this remarkable achievement—we’re excited to see what she accomplishes next!