Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Four seniors from Spring Woods High School (SWHS) Speech and Debate Team recently found out they are getting full scholarships to some of the nation’s top schools.

The debate team at SWHS competes locally, statewide and nationally. Annually, its goal is to qualify for tournaments such as the Texas Forensic Association’s State Tournament, UIL State, National Speech and Debate Tournament and Tournament of Champions. All year long, these students work hard and compete almost every weekend. Their hard work pays off, resulting in top-finalist and champion statuses at many of these competitions.

Now, these efforts have changed the lives of four students, who will be able to attend college for free and compete on speech and debate teams at the collegiate level. These four students will join numerous speech and debate alumni who have gone on to compete at colleges and universities across the nation.

Victoria Beard, director of speech and debate at SWHS, said that as part of the team, students develop grit, self-confidence and responsibility – all traits that will help them as they move into the realm of collegiate competition.

“The most rewarding part of being their coach is seeing how they have come together like one big family, all who genuinely care for one another,” she added.

Alexia Lara
Occidental College

What has been your favorite part of being on the Speech and Debate Team at SWHS?
The confidence it has given me and how it’s helped my self-esteem.

How has this experience prepared you for life after high school?
I feel lucky to be a part of a team that has been so encouraging and kind and has motivated me to want to do better. Speech and debate has given me the opportunity to come out of my shell and be able to speak with confidence, which is an essential skill I’m glad I’ve improved.

What will you be majoring in at Occidental College?
Film Production and minoring in business.

What do you hope to do after college?
I hope to one day start up my own independent studio and travel the world while making documentaries.

Sebastian Gueveara
Carnegie Mellon University

What has been your favorite part of being on the Speech and Debate Team at SWHS?
The mentorship we provide for first-year novice debaters. It brings me pride to see them succeed at debate tournaments by earning podium placements. As we follow our journey to become the best debate team, we develop deep-rooted connections and friendships that last a lifetime.

How has this experience prepared you for life after high school?
Debate has taught me skills that I couldn’t have acquired anywhere else. The ability to speak confidently in any situation is one that is crucial to success in any career path. The sense of leadership gained from assuming my position as Extemporaneous Speaking captain has taught me how to be a leader devoted to improving myself as a debater and my team as a whole.

What will you be majoring in at Carnegie Mellon University?
I will be majoring in Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science, concentrating in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

What do you hope to do after college?
I aspire to be part of a thriving tech start-up after college or enter the workforce in big tech working with companies like Google, Netflix, Amazon or Meta.

Denise Marin
Western Kentucky University

What has been your favorite part of being on the Speech and Debate Team at SWHS?
Being able to get help from anyone no matter the problem you have. It's like having a big family that is cheering you on by your side.

How has this experience prepared you for life after high school?
My experience on the SWHS team has prepared me for life after high school by helping me understand priorities and responsibilities. Not only that but it has also taught me to be on time.

What will you be majoring in at Western Kentucky University?
I will be majoring in Communications and competing on the speech team.

What do you hope to do after college?
I hope to either become a therapist or a social worker after college.

Rafael Rojas
Johns Hopkins University

What has been your favorite part of being on the Speech and Debate Team at SWHS?
The opportunities I have gained here are opportunities that I never expected. I learned to portray great articulation, change tone and express emotions. My favorite part is that when you talk about something, you can let your opinions out and be yourself. Debate has really changed the way I think.

How has this experience prepared you for life after high school?
Debate helped me see the world in a different way. As a Latino, I can say that I am proud that I make a difference in the world. I am proud because now I am an open person, and I am not afraid of approaching someone and feeling shy. I love talking about politics and current events. In this way, I can stand up and advocate for equality in the Latinx Community.

What will you be majoring in at Johns Hopkins University?
I will be majoring in Biology and want to pursue the pre-med track.

What do you hope to do after college?
As a first-generation college student, I am so excited to attend a university that will give me the challenges that I am keen on. After college I hope to take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) and attend medical school. I hope one day I can become a physician and help those that need it. I want to make a difference and prove that diversity can be present in the medical field.