Sophomore Violla George won second place at a district debate and speech competition April 5.

A debater since her freshman year, George addressed the ignorance of Americans towards people of different backgrounds with her original oratory piece, Kill the Infidel.

“My sister wears a hijab, which is a traditional Muslim head covering for women,” George said. “I don’t think it’s right that people occasionally express negativity towards her when we go out without having a proper understanding of the culture.”

George will proceed to a national speech and debate competition in Kansas this summer and ran for junior class president.

“I’ve always wanted to be Secretary of State, so maybe one day I’ll be able to say that I was part of student government, took part in a national debate competition, and won first place,” George said. “I’ve got my fingers crossed.”