Houston UDL Debater Speaks at Supreme Court Appointment Ceremony
Emily Lechuga, a Houston Urban Debate League (HUDL) student, was chosen to represent the Austin High School student body at the announcement of the historic appointment of Eva Guzman to the Texas Supreme Court. Justice Eva Guzman, a graduate of Austin High School, is the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Texas Supreme Court.
|
Emily, the president of the Austin High School debate team, was notified by Mike Dudas, her debate coach, that she would have one evening to prepare her speech, and she attended only one meeting with the Governor's advance party before the event. On this short notice, Emily confidently stepped up to the podium and gave a memorable speech. She was featured in a line-up of speakers that included Linda Llorente, Austin High School Principal; Rick Perry, Governor of Texas; Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson of the Texas Supreme Court; T. Gerald Treece, Vice President and Associate Dean at South Texas Law School; and the woman of honor, the Honorable Eva Guzman.
Emily charmed a crowd that was made up of prominent politicians, lawyers, and media figures, as well as dozens of news cameras. She reflected on her debate experience by saying, "I am grateful that my high school has given me the opportunity to participate in debate."
Emily also spoke passionately about debate's importance as a stepping stone toward achieving her dream of becoming a lawyer. She delighted the crowd by turning to Dean Treece and saying, "I hope you will remember me." Dean Treece responded reassuringly during his own speech: "I could never forget you!"
The event touched others in the audience as well. Cynthia Diggs, an attorney at Holmes, Diggs, Eames & Puhl, PLLC who serves as an HUDL mentor and member of the HUDL Advisory Board, stated, "Emily's obvious joy in her accomplishment that day was more than enough to justify every hour I ever spent and every dollar I ever donated to HUDL."
Elizabeth A. Campbell, secretary of the HUDL Advisory Board and Partner and Chief Diversity Officer of Andrews Kurth LLP, agreed that Emily's speech affirmed the value of the HUDL. She said, "When we started the Houston Urban Debate League, we focused on skill development and the benefits that debate participants could achieve through higher academic performance, increased high school graduation rates, and an increase in college matriculation. We saw progress on each one of these measures during our first year. To start only our second school year off with Emily's recognition is an accomplishment beyond our most optimistic expectations. We are so proud of Emily-and the other students who are benefiting from the work of our urban debate league."
Austin High School is located southeast of downtown Houston. The student body has over 99 percent students of color. The school is a strong supporter of urban debate.
Read the Houston Independent School District's story on the event >>
