Saginaw High School senior Dylan Noone was named the UIL State Champion in Poetry/Oral Interpretation at the UIL Academic State Meet on May 20-22 at The University of Texas in Austin.

This was Noone's second time to compete at the state level. He placed fourth in Poetry his sophomore year. This year, he not only was name the State Champion, but was also the District Champion and placed second at Region. Noone will also travel to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to compete in the National Speech and Debate tournament in Dramatic Interpretation on June 15. 

"Dylan is a special and unique young man," teacher and UIL debate coach Heather White said. "He has been given many adversities this year, which he has overcome with grace. Dylan has not only been a strong competitor, but also a leader and a teacher on the Saginaw High School Speech and Debate team. This summer, Dylan along with the rest of the team heard that their previous coach was leaving the district. I transferred from Wayside Middle School with little to no idea what a successful speech and debate program looked like. With Dylan as a leader and a teacher by my side, I was able to be a small part of an amazing team. I am beyond proud of Dylan for being a state champion, a national qualifier, and above all, a young man who works hard for what he wants. Dylan was able to accomplish what many can't with an experienced coach by their side, and he did it with a rookie."

In poetry interpretation, Noone had to choose a selection that fits in the given category to present to an audience. The contest emphasized literary analysis through expressive oral reading. The purpose of the contest was to encourage the student to understand, experience and share poetry through the art of oral interpretation. The goals of the contest were to encourage the contestant’s exploration of a variety of literary selections, and to enhance the performer’s and audience’s appreciation of literature through the performer’s interpretation of the work.

Noone plans to attend Marymount Manhattan College in New York. 

"Dylan is going to do amazing things in the world; I am so happy I got to be a small part of his story," White said.

Congratulations, Dylan! We are #emsproud!