Pineapple On Pizza Was The Spark That Lit My Flame for SVUDL

De'Angelo Quintero is a senior at Andrew P. Hill High School and a competitor in I RESOLVE 2025, a public debate presented by The National Association for Urban Debate Leagues, where SVUDL students focused their debate on affordable housing.

For De'Angelo, debate is more than winning arguments—it's about creating space for unheard voices to shape a more equitable world.

"Debate is at its core diverse. In fact, its essence is diversity," he explains. "How would we debate if we all had the same idea? Without discourse there is no discussion, and without discussion there is no innovation or evolution."

He sees debate as a crucial tool for societal progress. "It allows our world to hear new voices, and most importantly, it allows us to critique the ideas that arise from those who choose to speak out. Without critiquing ideas, we as a society wouldn't know where to go. Debate clears the fog of the future and allows us to see the bright path ahead."

SVUDL has profoundly shaped De'Angelo's trajectory and sense of self.

"SVUDL has, most importantly—and I truly mean this—allowed me to articulate my thoughts to just about anyone. I've become well aware of who I am," he shares. "The controlled discourse that SVUDL provides has taught me how to connect with anyone without overstepping boundaries."

As someone who aspires to run for public office one day, De'Angelo credits SVUDL with building his confidence. "Meeting fellow debaters and professionals across many fields has allowed me to engage with them without worrying about how I'm coming across."

But what strikes him as most impactful isn't just the professional connections—it's the friendships forged along the way.