FIRST-YEAR COHORT: Conviction

Jessica Chai

Liberal Arts Honors, Government
Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas

I am a recent graduate of Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas. I’ve dedicated the last six years of my life to competing in Public Forum debate. Throughout my career, I’ve qualified to TFA State, NSDA Nationals, and TOC as well as reached elimination rounds at various national–circuit tournaments. I’ve also earned NSDA’s highest honor, the Premier Distinction Degree. In my senior year, I was the captain of our successful public forum squad, where I facilitated squad practices once per week to organize tournament preparation. Despite the great experiences in debate, I realized that there was a distinct lack of female representation. I chose to use debate as a platform to critically analyze global issues from a feminist perspective, where I could not just discuss the policy aspect of topic resolutions, but also challenge the underlying philosophical discourse. I also became a mentor through The Debate Group where I connected with lower–income students across the country to help subsidize technical debate instruction. Similarly, I started a nonprofit tutoring organization in 2020 to provide my community with the educational resources it lacked due to the pandemic. By building an organization from the ground up, I learned valuable lessons about productively using resources, cooperating with different perspectives, and actualizing my visions for the future. Through our fundraising and tuition efforts, we donated to Houston–based organizations like SEARCH Homeless Services, NAMI, Memorial Hermann Hospital, and the Houston Food Bank. As president and a tutor, I’ve taught over 300 hours of essay–writing, and managed the organization by drafting the By–Laws, applying for our 501(c)(3) status, communicating with parents, and monitoring our budget. Some of my hobbies include listening to music (ranging from Billie Eilish to elevator jazz), thrifting at my local Goodwill or in my parent’s closet, and watching movies (my favorite/recent watches include Blade Runner 2049, Borat, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Gone Girl). I’m so excited to join the Dedman community, where I’ll have unique opportunities to not only grow among bright and passionate Longhorns but also make a real difference in this world.

Joseph Haynes-Stewart

Liberal Arts Honors, Government
Texas High School in Texarkana, TX

I am a recent graduate of Texas High School in Texarkana, TX. My high school career was characterized by my initial interest in politics, which branched out and developed into a desire to expand my critical thinking abilities. In my earlier years of high school, I joined and became president of the Political Society, Student Council, Debate, and International Thespian Society. These clubs fueled my passion for politics and taught me that there are different ways to improve that particular skill set while also helping my community in various ways. Additionally, I wanted to expand my worldview as I come from a very small town. Therefore, I became vice president of the Multicultural Club to support under–served bilingual children in my area and experience different cultures beyond my own. In my upperclassman years, I held the highest leadership positions in Newspaper, Model UN, and Philosophy, challenging my beliefs and broadening my perspective. There were many highlights during this time, with my three–part story and short film on homelessness, as well as giving a keynote speech at Columbia University, holding a special place in my heart. Outside of school, I work in construction operating heavy machinery and actively participate in various political campaigns. In my spare time, I adore riding motorcycles, listening to music, and engaging in social settings, as I pride myself on being extraverted. I plan on majoring in Government in the Liberal Arts Honors Program and I cannot express enough how much I am looking forward to becoming a part of the Dedman family on The Forty Acres.

Jaden Watt

Liberal Arts Honors, Government
Greenhill School in Dallas, Texas

I am originally from Atlanta, GA but spent my high school years in Dallas, Texas, where I graduated from Greenhill School. I served as Senior Class Student Council Vice Pesident and Black Student Union Vice President, where I represented the interests and concerns of my peers and created a safe space for my school community. I enjoyed working with incoming freshmen as a peer mentor supporting them on their journey through their first year of high school. I have a passion for government, international relations, and history, I am also an avid debater, for competitively and just for fun. I competed in Lincoln–Douglas (LD) debate as an Academic All–American, earning the most state points for an LD debater in Texas. I also served as captain of the Football team and Track & Field team, becoming a four–time school record holder in sprinting events.

Outside of school, I volunteered with Teenage Communication Theatre (TACT), educating youth through peer–to–peer outreach on relevant social and health issues. I was a campaign fellow for ‘Colin Allred forD–TX  32’ congressional race. I also was the emcee for a fashion show for the Grant Halliburton Foundation, where we raised money for mental health research and resources.

On weekends, I worked for Dallas Urban Debate Alliance (DUDA), teaching children the value of debate and judging debate rounds, or volunteering for my local chapter of Kappa League Richardson and Plano (KLPR), where I met with members of my community to discuss current events and aid in resources for college. I love music, and in my free time, you can find me on the track or listening to my records. In the fall, I am eager to pursue my passion as a Government major in the Liberal Arts Honors Program, and I am excited and honored to join the Dedman community. Hook ’em!

Cassidy Wong

Plan II and Architecture

Flower Mound High School in Flower Mound, Texas

I am a graduate of Flower Mound High School in Flower Mound, Texas. My high school journey has been a vibrant exploration of the arts, music, and technology, and engaging with the youth in my community.

Art is a passion of mine because of its ability to bring creativity to life. I’ve been awarded a National Gold Medal and numerous Gold Keys through Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Recently, I’ve designed stickers to raise money for UNESCO to support Ukraine and sold artwork on my online shop.

Music has been a huge part of my life since age six when I began piano. I compose music, with two original pieces receiving honorable mentions at the State level. Additionally, I played violin in my school’s Philharmonic Orchestra.

When I joined Robotics (FTC 14881 and FRC 4192), I discovered my interest in Computer Aided Design (CAD). My fondest memories were the State Tournament in Houston and teaching CAD to kids at the
Club Summer Camp.

I competed in TSA (Technology Student Association) where I placed in the Top Ten in Texas for CAD Engineering and led my team to win First in District for Board Game Design.

To elevate underrecognized artwork in my community, I founded and published Et Al. Literary & Arts
Magazine with my invaluable team of editors.

Outside of school, I’m part of Red Tiger Karate. As a brown belt, I volunteer to teach young students
sparring and self–defense. Just as my mentors supported me when I was a white belt, I took pride in
passing on my love of karate to my students.

Architecture fascinates me because it is an intersection of my passion for art and technology to create change. At UT, I plan to major in Plan II and Architecture. I’m so grateful to be part of the Dedman community and so excited to meet everyone! Hook’em!