Damian “Chito” Vazquez is a senior at HHS ,and a well known public figure amongst the students. Vazquez is involved in multiple activities, including Hooks’ Speech and Debate Team. This year marks his third year competing in UIL debate, and his second year as the head team captain.

“I hope to harbor an entire team full of champions,” Vasquez said.

When asked what sparked his love for debate, he told us it was none other than the 2020 election, an event that set his undying love for political and current issues. 

“After the election, I knew in my heart that I needed to enter the world of politics,” Vasquez said. “ I decided that I would do everything to get there, as I would not only be doing a service to myself, but to my beloved community as well.”

 Throughout Vasquez’s debate career, he has won numerous awards due to his speaking abilities and argumentative skills. In the last year alone, he has placed 6th in congressional debate, 4th in persuasive exempt, and 1st in cross examination debate. Due to these being UIL events, he went on to advance to the state level in CX and finished in the top 8 contestants. 

“Chito is my silly name,” Vasquez said. “From now on, call me Mr.UIL, the official best in Texas.” 

 Chito not only plans to achieve more on his own, but he also plans to help with all of the debate teams’ new recruitment advance in events as well.

“First stop is November 10th- regional congress. That’s where we’re gonna win big. We took 4 placements last year and we want all 5 this time,” Vasquez said. “I’m not here to just make good debaters. I’m making contributing members of society who are not only confident but willing to speak up for themselves and others.”