Ronald Whitmore Jr. Scholarship

My high school is the most diverse in Oregon, which I'm proud of. But my neighborhood tells a totally different story. It’s a place where gun violence is common, and too many of my friends from elementary and middle school got caught up in gangs. Some have been arrested, and I worry about where they’ll end up. Growing up here taught me a huge lesson: Excellence doesn’t happen because one person does everything themselves. It’s about lifting other people up and showing them they have the power to do great things too. That is Black excellence to me. What helped me realize this most clearly was debate. When I walk into the debate room—setting up my stand, firing up my timer, opening ten documents at once—I feel that immediate rush of excitement. My school started offering debate through the Urban Debate League my freshman year. Students from the rich schools had dedicated teachers, travel budgets, and summer camps; I had to grind on my own. I spent hours after school practicing, trying to get better with almost no help. Luckily, some mentors saw something in me and sponsored me to attend Gonzaga University’s summer debate camp on a full scholarship. That summer was a total eye-opener. I learned from amazing debaters from all over, and it just supercharged my passion. Kids from private schools with professional coaches and resources made me think about my situation—my mom working three jobs just so I could have a shot. It made me realize how unfair the system is, that some kids get top-tier coaching handed to them, while others like me are on their own. That frustration inspired me to create the Pathway to Debate Institute. It’s a free, one-week online camp specifically for students like me. I pulled together top coaches from across the country and designed a curriculum packed with live workshops, practice debates, and feedback sessions. Running this camp showed me that debate isn’t just about winning awards; it’s a space where students from underfunded schools can find their confidence and voice their ideas. I remember coaching one girl from a tiny school who had never debated. I showed her how to structure her arguments and explain complex topics like Arctic development. When she won her first practice round, her face just lit up with pride—I’ll never forget that moment, and this is how I want to embody Black excellence daily. Looking ahead, I want to become a lawyer. I want to fight for justice and fairness, especially for communities like mine. To me, this is Black Excellence. I hope to make a real difference—challenging inequality and helping others find their footing. After college, I plan to partner with organizations like the NAUDL to bring debate programs into neighborhoods that need them. I want to give students access to coaching, resources, and travel opportunities so they can compete and grow. I also want to mentor first-gen college students, helping them turn those debate skills into real-world wins—drafting proposals, advocating for policies, and leading community projects. My journey has been shaped by my family’s sacrifices. My mom worked nonstop so I could have opportunities I never thought possible—like that seven-week debate camp in Michigan. When she dropped me off, I saw other families pulling up in luxury cars, and my mom told me, “Money doesn’t make the person. Never forget where you come from, and never try to be someone you’re not.” That lesson is permanently stuck in my head: stay humble, have integrity, and stay true to myself. Helping others and fighting as the underdog is Black Excellence to me.