Sitting in the Hilton Anatole in Dallas full of future educators, excitement spreads throughout the Coppell section as four familiar names are presented onto the screen. Screams of joy and unconditional support spread through the room as competitors walk onto the stage to receive their medals. 

On Feb. 26-27 at the Texas Association of Future Educators Teach Tomorrow Summit state competition, Coppell High School sophomores Yeseul Bak, Eesha Jogdand, seniors Nathalie Petit and Suzana Waly qualified for the Educators Rising Conference on June 20-23 in Portland, Ore. 

Both Bak and Wally advanced in the category of K-3 Literature. Jogdand and Petit advanced in the category of Interactive Bulletin board. 

These four first competed in the area level in December to advance to state in February. 

With Waly being a two-time national qualifier, she said qualifying for nationals is a difficult task. 

“I was shocked,” Wally said. “I was blown away that that was even something I was considering.” 

For K-3 Literature competition, both Bak and Wally said their books have a personal aspect with Waly dedicating her book to her cousin, Zayn, and Bak relating her book to past social issues. 

“I struggled to make friends after COVID-19,” Bak said. “I wanted to implement the idea of how important making friends is into the book.” 

When preparing for the TAFE area, competitors had a similar cycle of preparation where they started with a rough draft of their product, advanced certain aspects of their creation and added finishing touches. 

While competing, a common feeling between competitors is nervousness. Even with nerves, competitors maintained their focus and presented their creations. 

“I am not very confident in public speaking,” Bak said. “When I was presenting, I pretended there was no one else in the room except me. I remind myself that I will probably not see these people again, so I might as well be confident in what I have to say and what I have to present.”

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