What happened: Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) senior Lauren Ramos was named the 2026 UIL 3A Lincoln-Douglas Debate State Champion, becoming the first UIL Academics and Speech State Champion in school history.

The big picture: Ramos placed third at the UIL State Meet in 2024 and finished as the state runner-up in 2025 before claiming the gold medal this spring. Over the course of her career, she competed in more than 460 rounds of debate and won about 20 tournaments. She has also spent time mentoring and coaching younger debaters at YWLA.

Ramos qualified for the Texas Forensics Association State Tournament four times and the National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament four times. She also won multiple district and regional championships, is an Academic All-American, and Purple Sage District Student of the Year.  As YWLA Valedictorian, Ramos will attend Texas Tech University in the fall to study Mechanical Engineering.

What they’re saying: “This championship represents years of hard work, perseverance, and growth,” YWLA UIL Academics Coordinator Amanda Byars said. “She has devoted hundreds of hours to honing her craft after discovering a passion for Lincoln-Douglas debate. Through her natural talent and unwavering perseverance, she has become a force, and I am so proud that she is our first State Champion, an accomplishment years in the making.”

Midland’s top stories. One quick email. Free, every Friday.
Get Midland Wrapped, our free weekly email for busy Midland residents. Each Friday, we break down the week’s most important local stories — what happened, why it matters, and what to watch next — so you can stay informed without the noise.

“Lauren’s achievement is a remarkable milestone for Young Women’s Leadership Academy and Midland ISD,” MISD Superintendent Stephanie Howard said. “She has demonstrated what is possible when talent is matched with determination, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We are incredibly proud of Lauren and grateful to the educators who have supported her journey.”