UIL Leaguer

On the 11th day of the 11th month, just 45 minutes before the 11th hour, the UIL staff gathered to commemorate Veteran’s Day. Compliance officer Ed Stidham came in formal military dress. Lt. Col. Stidham served 25 years in the Army Reserve. His duties took him to nine different countries and about 30 different states. He retired April 15, 1995.

“Veteran’s Day is an unbelievable day,” Stidham said. “It means so much to me when someone puts out their hand and says ‘thank you.’ It’s an awesome day for military people and to be remembered is very special.”

Accounting officer Pat Lindsay also served in the army for 16 years. Supply Sgt. Lindsay worked all over the United States during her time in the military.

“This day is very special,” she said. Lindsay said the Ft. Hood tragedy struck home with her even though she is no longer in the military. “Those are my brothers and sisters,” she said. “It’s hard to understand, but you build such camaraderie in the military.”

Centennial Celebration

The UIL is proud to be celebrating its 100th anniversary. The Centennial Committee kicked off the Centennial Celebration during the June UIL Legislative Council meeting. Students selected to participate in the Elite 100 Student Leadership Conference were the highlight of the meetings. These students presented their own ideas regarding rule changes and proposals for new activities.

UIL Legislative Council Chairman Curtis Culwell gaveled in the start of the Centennial Celebration and challenged the students of the Elite 100 to continue in their quest for excellence. He also accepted the gratitude of the students for the support for extracurricular activities and for allowing the students an opportunity to present their ideas.

Currently, a book, representing the illustrated history of the 100 years of the UIL, has been sent to the printer for publication. This book, written by author and former UIL Academic Director Bobby Hawthorne, chronicles the origination and development of the UIL through stories and photographs. The book is available for purchase on the UIL Centennial Web site at www.uil100.org.

Following the Legislative Council meeting in October, the UIL will unveil a historical marker, commissioned by the Centennial Committee. This marker will be dedicated by UIL and UT staff, as well as UIL Legislative Council members.

The smell of cookies filled the entire UIL building last month.

As a part of UIL’s Centennial Celebration, League staff delivered baskets filled with goodies to high schools in Travis County to show appreciation for coaches’ and sponsors’ support of UIL activities.

The staff stuffed baskets with three dozen cookies baked by staff members, sugar-free candies and information on National High School Activities Week, UIL Centennial Celebrations and community service projects.

“The project was born out of a desire for the League staff to connect with local schools as well as tell principals in our own backyard how much we value their service,” UIL Executive Director Charles Breithaupt said.

Jana Riggins, the director of speech and debate, coordinated the staff service project.