New Voices at the Table
Katelynn Nguyen has already made history. As a senior at Silver Creek High School in San Jose, she became the first student in SVUDL's ten-year history to qualify for the CHSSA State Championships—a milestone that speaks not only to her dedication, but to the growing power of Speech and Debate itself.
Now, she's taking center stage once again at I RESOLVE 2025, a public debate hosted by The National Association for Urban Debate Leagues (NAUDL) and SVUDL. The event brings together high school debaters, civic leaders, educators, and debate advocates for a critical conversation on affordable housing.
As the event approached, nerves were inevitable. "There's always some degree of anxiety leading up to something like I RESOLVE," Katelynn admitted. "But I feel confident in our preparation. The SVUDL staff helps us 'overprepare'—they make sure we're ready for anything. I'm excited to see all our work come together."
For Katelynn, SVUDL has been transformative. "Debate has forced me to sit in discomfort, research deeply, and base my opinions on evidence rather than instinct," she reflected. "It has introduced me to people I never would have met otherwise and taught me how to build meaningful connections. Because of SVUDL, I've learned to advocate for myself and others in rooms where students usually don't get a say."
The opportunities have been life-changing. "I RESOLVE is just one example," she said. "These events have connected me to professionals I wouldn't have otherwise met. And the ability to dream big—to compete without worrying about financial barriers, to push myself to qualify for tournaments —that's been amazing."
Her experience has shaped her worldview. "In an increasingly polarized society, it's more important than ever that we have voices from all backgrounds contributing to the dialogue," she emphasized. "If you won't advocate for yourself, who will? Compassion comes from embracing people who look different than us and understanding where they come from. Real solutions come from diverse voices at the same table."
Looking back, Katelynn is struck by how far she's come. "When I joined Speech and Debate during my freshman year, I thought I'd just be giving speeches in classrooms and competing locally," she said. "I never imagined traveling to State Championships or participating in events like I RESOLVE with an advisor who genuinely supports me. I wasn't expecting how many doors SVUDL would open— and as a senior looking back, I wouldn't have it any other way."
What does she treasure most? "The people—hands down. The friends I've made, the staff who genuinely root for you, and the community you build with students from other schools. At tournaments, we're all acquaintances on day one. By day two, we're cheering each other on. It's incredibly fulfilling."
