Nearly 100 rising high school sophomores to take part in leadership and speech competition June 10–15

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) will once again partner with the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) to host the Texas Star Great Debate , welcoming nearly 100 high-achieving students to campus from June 10–15, 2025.

The event is part of NHI’s signature three-part leadership education series designed for Latino youth. Students—primarily rising 10th graders from Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and Mexico—will engage in an immersive six-day experience centered on public speaking, critical thinking, and collaborative leadership. Participants are drafted onto teams coached by NHI alumni, who are current college students serving as mentors throughout the competition.

The Great Debate challenges students in oratory, extemporaneous speaking, mock trial, and cross-examination. But beyond the contest, the program builds confidence, community insight, and a network of future leaders committed to making a difference.

“This program brings students together to build ideas for the future, while helping them develop the public speaking and communication skills that raise their value as leaders,” said Nicole Nieto, Executive Vice President of NHI.

“We are honored to welcome NHI’s Texas Star Great Debate back to Our Lady of the Lake University,” said Dr. Abel A. Chávez, OLLU President. “This is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of young leadership, voice, and purpose.”

Founded in 1979, NHI has served more than 100,000 students across the U.S. and Latin America, promoting educational equity and preparing students to lead with purpose and vision.

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Media Invitation:
Members of the media are invited to visit the event on Tuesday, June 10, from 3–4 p.m., at Thiry Auditorium (411 SW 24th St., behind the Main Building), to speak with NHI and OLLU representatives and participating students.

For more information on the 2025 Texas Star Great Debate, visit the National Hispanic Institute’s event page.