Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is proud to once again serve as host for the Texas Star Great Debate, a prestigious youth leadership and speech competition presented in partnership with the National Hispanic Institute (NHI). From June 10–15, 2025, the university will welcome nearly 100 rising high school sophomores to campus for an unforgettable week of growth, challenge, and connection.
The Texas Star Great Debate is part of NHI’s signature three-part leadership education series, created to empower Latino youth. Students—primarily rising 10th graders from Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and Mexico—will participate in an intensive six-day program focused on public speaking, critical thinking, and collaborative leadership.
During the competition, students are drafted onto teams coached by NHI alumni, many of whom are current college students. These mentors guide participants through a series of challenges in oratory, extemporaneous speaking, mock trial, and cross-examination—all designed to build communication skills, poise under pressure, and the confidence to lead.
“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, the National Hispanic Institute has served over 100,000 students across the United States and Latin America, fostering educational equity and cultivating the next generation of community leaders.
Stay tuned for updates and highlights from this inspiring event on OLLU’s campus.