The Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislator (TISL) team at East Tennessee State University won “Best Delegation” and is now set to compete in next fall’s event with several students elected to work in key roles for the 2023 competition.
The competition takes place in the state capitol in Nashville where their work can be presented where law matters happen.
Thriving in education, the TISL has given students rich experience to do with the Tennessee state government since 1966 while also providing a platform to voice their political opinions on state matters.
Moving on to bigger goals, the students elected for the 2023 competition made the “Best Delegation” status possible in 2022 and are now striving for more. Although facing strong competition from Tennessee Tech, the team was able to conquer their place as a team as well as receive individual honors.
These include Macy Strader who was titled “Best Reporter,” Kyah Powers, who was named the third consecutive ETSU student recipient of the Carlisle Award which nominates 10 outstanding legislators each year, and Leah Loveday with the “Best Lobbyist” award.
In a recent press release, speaker of the house Aidan Graybeal mentioned the importance of teamwork, unity and professionalism as well as individual efforts from each member.
“In being part of a team like this, you’re very much an individual,” said Graybeal. “You’re very much on your own to succeed. It’s on you to memorize the rules. It’s on you to write quality legislation. It’s on you to write a good case brief to make a good argument before the court. All those things really take your time and effort, and in this case, it shows. To succeed as a group proves that we succeeded as individuals.”
Ready to face any challenge, the team prepares substantially as members began preparing this spring for the 2023 fall semester, Graybeal mentions. Preparing includes practice presentations, debating bills and going over arguing cases. Marking down anticipated questions and counterarguments, the team is able to overcome any hurdles they may face.
With hands-on legislative and judicial experience, the TISL provides a space for students, despite their majors, to focus on one shared interest: law.
For more information on TISL, visit http://www.tislonline.org/.
