NHI opens Texas Great Debate at Austin College

For more than 25 years now, the National Hispanic Institute has brought students from all over Texas to compete in the Texas Great Debate. 2017 is no exception; the flagship NHI program kicked off the organization’s 2017 summer program schedule yesterday at Austin College in Sherman, Texas. Eight teams, representing major cities and regions throughout the Lone Star State, readied themselves for competition, camaraderie, and learning.

Nan Davis, Vice President for Institutional Enrollment at Austin College, represented the host university. Davis reminded students of the scholarship program Austin College established for Texas Great Debaters who go on to college in Sherman.

Kevin Bohls, an El Paso High School representing the El Paso team, said of Opening Ceremonies, “I really loved the energy. It set a good start to the whole competition.” Bohls, who considers himself shy, is looking to become more extroverted, to build on the public speaking skills he has developed during the team’s preparations, and to learn regardless of how well he does in the competition.

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Erika Nieto, one of the Educational Directors for the Texas Great Debate, said, “The Opening Ceremonies for the Texas Great Debate were electric! Eight regions arrived with intention and enthusiasm to take on the first phase of NHI’s Summer Leadership Series. It was humbling to witness their passion, and incredible to know their journey to self-discovery had officially begun.”

KXII, a television station serving Sherman, also came out to cover the event.

Competition started this morning, with the final rounds taking place Saturday.

The Texas Great Debate program is made possible in part by sponsorship from State Farm, Union Pacific, and Winston & Strawn LLP.