Stuart Worley
By Joan Frances –
Lamar Consolidated Independent School District offers students endless possibilities that expand far beyond academics. Extracurricular activities consume students’ time after school and on the weekends. Stuart Worley, a senior at Lamar Consolidated High School, is enjoying his final year of high school with a full schedule and high hopes for his future.
Stuart began his high school career as a freshman participating in track and field and cross country running. When he was a sophomore, Stuart became involved in speech and debate. He studied professional communication and Lincoln-Douglas debate, became a member of the debate team and learned what is involved in one-on-one, competitive debate.
A requirement of the debate team is to compete at local and state debate tournaments. As a team, Stuart and his classmates participate in seven to nine tournaments each year. Stuart travels on the school bus helping other students write debate cases and supporting them throughout the competition. As a novice debater, Stuart achieved quarterfinal placement, as well as the Most Helpful Novice award. As a varsity debater, Stuart is the captain of the speech and debate team and a member of the National Forensics League. He also competed in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) competition in current events.
Stuart Worley
When asked what it is about debate he enjoys the most, Stuart replied, “Learning how to debate taught me to be a critical thinker. I am a competitive person and when I go to competitions, the adrenaline rush is exhilarating. To have the ability to turn arguments and win rounds during debate is so fulfilling. I use this knowledge in other subjects at school as well.”
At 17, Stuart is mature for his age. He achieves the greatest satisfaction teaching his peers. He judges at debate tournaments and assists the novice students by explaining what they did right or wrong in the debate round. He attended debate camp this past summer and is a hard worker devoted to doing well for his team and for himself. Stuart is also a loyal friend and values his friendships.
Stuart Worley
Stuart’s favorite subject is U.S. History. His instructor, Coach Strother, is a great teacher because he engages the students by making history an exciting subject to learn. Stuart is also a member of Lamar’s Academic Decathlon team. When asked what value he considers important, Stuart said, “To have a good work ethic, work hard now so that life will be easier later.” Stuart has a deep respect for himself, his peers and adults and possesses a strong sense of integrity and honesty.
Stuart is busy outside of his school commitments as well. In addition to judging at speech and debate tournaments, he helped at Deaf Smith Elementary School and volunteered at the Fort Bend Police Department packing backpacks for underprivileged kids. Last summer, Stuart worked at a law firm scanning, filing and doing clerical work. He spent 20 hours a week observing and learning what happens at a law firm on a daily basis. His experience writing debate cases has helped him understand politics and the government. All of these experiences provided Stuart a concept of what he may consider in his future career and life.
When he graduates, Stuart wants to attend college at either Texas A&M or Texas Tech University to major in business management/marketing or political science. Stuart is a strong, determined individual with a goal to have a successful career and life. Congratulations Stuart on your achievements and may all of your dreams come true.