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HCTC Students Earn Top Honors at State Law Competition

This story was originally posted on April 25, 2025.

Two students in professional dress in front of a trifoldA team of dedicated students from the Hollenstein Career and Technology Center (HCTC) showcased their skills at the Texas Public Service Association (TPSA) State Competition in Allen, earning impressive placements across multiple events.

The team placed first in Law Conference, second in Parliamentary Procedure and Qualifying Expert Witness, and third in Law Job Exhibit.

"A professional, formal business meeting," is how Cameron Coulon, a senior from Saginaw High School and the team chairperson, described the Parliamentary Procedure event. "As the chairman, I began the meeting, and we went through the regular proceedings, roll call, minutes approval, treasurer's report, committee reports, board review, and new business where we brainstormed and created motions on the topics we were given."

Participants were judged on efficiency, professionalism, speaking skills, dress code, conversation, and diction.

"We had a 15-minute time limit for the meeting," Coulon explained.

"It was about getting things done effectively, while being formal and respectful," Aubrey Lozano, a senior from Chisholm Trail High School who worked on motions and secret topics, added.

The team faced a unique challenge with "secret topics," receiving them only 15 minutes before the competition.

"We had to be quick on our feet," said Cade Gratton, a senior from Boswell High School who served as Secretary/Vice Chair. "For example, we proposed a motion about upgrading fire safety by placing a hydrant every two streets, then discussed and amended it."

Preparation was key to their success. Kaila Croft, a senior from Chisholm Trail High School, who served as a researcher and coach, prepared detailed scripts and conducted intensive rehearsals.

"I already had experience with parliamentary procedure, so I created a script and guided them through the process," Croft said. "I felt so proud seeing them perform so well."

The team credits their strong bond and Croft's leadership as major factors in their success.

"We've all known each other for a while," Coulon said. "We wanted to do something together."

"They’re smart, determined, and precious," added Precious Nkenyero, a senior from Chisholm Trail High School who created the treasurer’s and committee reports used during the competition. "I felt good about being part of it."

Even students who couldn't physically attend, like Peyton Erwin, a senior at Boswell High School, played a critical role by learning multiple parts to support the team during rehearsals. 

"I was the bench guy," Erwin said. "I was very proud when I found out how well they did."

This year marked the first time EMS ISD students competed in the Parliamentary Procedure event, making their second-place finish even more remarkable. Across every region in Texas, the team earned the highest regional score, 100 out of 100, and achieved a nearly perfect 97 out of 100 at state.

"Learning a completely new skill in a few months and placing second at state is incredible," Croft said. "I gave them the tools, but they were the ones who put in the work."

As the team reflects on their experience, one feeling is clear: pride.a boy and a girl in professional dress wearing medals 

"I wouldn't change this group for anyone else," said Belidmar Melendez, a senior from Chisholm Trail High School who amended motions. "We did so good."

We are #EMSproud of our outstanding HCTC students for their dedication, teamwork and excellence at the TPSA State Competition!