After many hours of evaluation and deliberation, NHI at Tip of Texas is excited to announce that we have selected the individuals who will serve as the Head Coaches of each category.
Applicants were selected based on the extent of their prior involvement with the organization, the leadership capabilities they demonstrated throughout said involvement, and the understanding and ability to apply the principles of Immersive-Disruptive Learning that was reflected in the nine-hour curriculum they were asked to submit.
CO-HEAD COACHES OF MOCK TRIAL: GABRIEL KAUACHI AND SEAN TEO ONG
Gabriel Kauachi participated and was an Elite-Eight finalist at the 2018 Texas Great Debate, a member of the President's Cabinet and the author of one of the two pieces of legislation passed at the 2019 National LDZ, and is presently a senior at Saint Joseph Academy.
"It has always been about more than Silver Cups," Kauachi said, "it's about making sure that the youth of our communities have the tools to become successful leaders in the future."
Sean Teo Ong participated and was an Elite-Eight finalist at the 2018 Texas Great Debate, a Supreme Court Justice at the 2019 National LDZ, and is presently a senior at Saint Joseph Academy.
"The Mock Trial staff is dedicated and prepared for the upcoming season," Teo Ong said. "Since the category is instrumental in both the Great Debate and in making young leaders, to say I’m excited would be an understatement."
In addition to also having been the co-head coaches of Mock Trial last year, Kauachi and Teo Ong also competed as partners at their Great Debate––Kauachi as the Witness, Teo Ong as the Attorney. To hear more about their experiences with NHI, watch our Participant Testimonial video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDSpi5CNBso).
HEAD COACH OF CROSS EXAMINATION: REBECA OSUNA
Rebeca Osuna participated in the 2018 Texas Great Debate, was a Senator at the 2019 National LDZ, and is presently a senior at Los Fresnos High School.
"I am so thankful and thrilled to be head coach of category this upcoming season; I can’t wait to work with all these new coaches and see what ideas and contributions they can bring to the table," Osuna said. "As head coach of category, I hope to create a safe and engaging environment where participants will not just learn to think like debaters but like leaders of our community. I will dedicate my time and efforts to help our team grow and achieve success."
HEAD COACH OF ORATORY: JOSE THOMAS MARIN-LEE
Jose Thomas Marin-Lee participated and was an Elite-Eight finalist at the 2018 Texas Great Debate, was the President at the 2019 National LDZ, and is presently a Senior at Saint Joseph Academy.
"Although we may not know what the future entails," he said, "NHI at Tip of Texas will continue to foster and create asset-based leaders in our community."
HEAD COACH OF EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING: SOFI HOMES
Sofi Homes participated and was a finalist at the 2019 Texas Great Debate and is presently a junior at the UTRGV Math and Science Academy.
"I’m looking forward to be a part of a challenge for incoming NHIers to broaden their experiences and empower them to support their Latino community" Homes said. "I also think this is a more important time than others to teach the youth about how to speak up for their community and to support their growth as individuals and as leaders."
To hear about how she is approaching this recruitment season, watch our Recruitment Tips video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9603GBf0NVo&t=7s).
In the next couple of months leading up to the beginning of training, these individuals will train and meet with the members of their staff to prepare for the upcoming season.
