In 2008, Wylie High School History teacher and UIL Coordinator Garret Dowell became the only person in the history of UIL Social Studies competition to score a perfect score on the test. His score has remained unmatched for 18 years, but now his former student, senior Canyon South may be the one to match it.
MEET THE MENTOR
In 2004, Dowell began his freshman year at Roby High School. It was a year that proved to be a pivotal one for him, impacting who he would become in more than one way.
“I knew at that point, I wanted to be a teacher, and that I wanted to teach social studies,” said Dowell.
It was also at this time that he added social studies to his competition resume – a resume he began building earlier on and varied in UIL subjects.
“I had no idea what I was doing in my first three years, but I did best in social studies and current events,” said Dowell. “I made it to regionals all three years.”
Dowell attributes his success in his senior year to the English teacher who stepped up to coach him in social studies.
“A coach who cares is key,” said Dowell. “I told Mrs. Raspberry that if she was my coach, I would win state.” She said she would get him there. “She was the reason I made it to state,” added Dowell. “I didn’t want to dis-appoint her.”
MEET HIS MATCH
South, unlike Dowell, didn’t start competing in UIL until his freshman year and only added social studies in his junior year thanks to Dowell’s “subtle” words of encouragement.
“It’s constant nagging,” said Dowell. “I recruit like crazy when I see ability in my classroom.”
“It works,” said South with a smile. “I’ve always had an interest in history, but I didn’t start competing until my junior year when Mr. Dowell said I should do social studies.”
Since then, South’s record has been impressive. This year alone, Dowell said South has scored the top score at all four competitions. Three events were Virtual Challenge Meets, where he competed against 725-870 competitors statewide at each event.
Dowell attributes this to South’s strong work ethic and drive.
“The biggest thing is his desire to win. He has been so motivated to win state,” said Dowell. “Last year, just five hours after getting our results from state, he was already starting to prepare for the next year!”
The 2026 UIL State Meet is at the end of May, and South has been studying since UIL released the topic – the Cold War – last April. A topic that required South to learn 83 individuals, 171 terms and 9 conflicts, using a required book (seen in photo) and more than 70 other suggested resources of reading and online material.
“From May to May, I spend the entire time studying,” said South. “In the summer, I watch videos to build basic knowledge, and I read the book UIL provides. On weekdays during school, I spend 3-4 hours study-ing and on weekends 1.5-2 hours.”
Dowell and South refer to his study routine as the “Duke treatment,” which stems from former Wylie student Daniel Duke who used a study system that required studying four hours a day. Dowell said Duke missed scoring the highest score at state by one point.
MAKING THEIR CASE
Dowell’s passion for Social Studies and UIL competition is strong, but his heart to see his students succeed is unmatched.
“Mr. Dowell is very motivating,” said South. “If anyone is going to coach me to get a perfect score, it is him. He is so encouraging.”
The social studies test is a 90-minute test that includes 45 multiple choice questions and an essay. It’s the essay that Dowell says makes it tough to earn that perfect score.
“It’s harder to do now. The [scoring] rubric has gotten more difficult since 2008,” said Dowell. “So, it would be a bigger accomplishment to-day.”
Dowell takes the practice tests along with his students and feels South has the best shot at matching his perfect score this season.
“He beats me on every test we take, and I know my stuff,” said Dow-ell. “He is right on that line of being perfect; he has only missed one on the multiple choice. We are having results this year we haven’t had be-fore. If it’s going to be someone – Canyon – my student! It is the perfect story; a perfect ending.”