After taking on state Feb. 17–19, sophomores Ella Williams and Jenna Smith advanced to nationals for the Texas Association of Future Educators convention set for June 26–29 as the first students from Aledo to compete at this level. 

“We practiced and practiced and took any critiques or suggestions our teachers or judges had for us,” Williams said. “It feels really good [to advance] because a lot of the things we do in TAFE are beneficial to our futures and future students.” 

Smith and Williams said they worked before and after school educating themselves to prepare to teach others. Smith “prepared by practicing every single day before school, reading the rules, and rereading our project.” 

“I am very proud of our achievement of earning our spot at nationals and state,” Smith said. “Even though it was a lot of hard work, overall, it was worth it.” 

But it wasn’t just their efforts that helped them reach the finish line, they said they felt so much support from all the team around them. 

“We would practice with our teacher Mrs. Wheaton, who is so sweet,” Smith said. “All the girls who competed with us, they were so supportive and they really helped us have the strength to compete and do well.”

Of the 20 students who competed at area, Wheaton said several students earned perfect scores in breakout sessions, though these do not advance students to nationals.

The following students qualified for the state meet: Conley Hamilton, Havanna Parker, Avery Little, Mackenzirle Godber, Grace Giglio, Abigail Huber, Brooke Rhoades, Eliana Depauw, Jenna Smith, Ella Williams, Marion Robbins and Charlotte Furst outstanding performance!