Senior Rachel Sloan placed fourth in News Writing at the State UIL academic meet, May 21. In order to advance to state, Sloan placed in the top three at both the district and regional level. Sloan placed second at district in March and took second at regionals in April.

“This win means finally getting recognition for academics,” Sloan said. “All around this school I watch everyone knowing about football but for once I think people finally see that academics are just as good and we are equally successful.”

Rounding out the first ever state qualifiers included seniors Danton Waggoner, Zack Short and Brianna Rood, who competed in Ready Writing, Headline Writing and Poetry Interpretation, respectively. Sloan also competed in Prose interpretation.

“I know we didn’t all advance, but just making it was a huge deal,” Sloan said. “I couldn’t imagine a better team to go with. I know we’re all different and compete in different things but together we are Rouse and we are successful. And that’s powerful.”