"My name is Chris Hunter. I attend Scarborough High School in Houston, Texas."

"I'm proud to say that NJFL was a great experience for me; this boosted my confidence. I have since continued in this activity (speech & debate). I give all the success I've gained to that [experience] and I'll never forget it."

This testimonial was sent to the NFL a while back when Chris was in Middle School. Now, a Junior at G. C. Scarborough High School, Chris has a story we at the NFL felt was worth sharing with our readers. Dr. Mike Fain, Director of Forensics, University of Houston and G. C. Scarborough High School was gracious in providing us with many of the local newspaper articles featuring Chris.

A natural athlete, Chris discovered that he was gifted when it came to debate.

"It excites me," he said, "For 10-minutes, I get the opportunity to change someone's view about something. I can convey all my emotions about important issues that ffect the world we live in."

When Chris Hunter came to Scarborough High School, he traded a spot on the football field for a place on the podium. Rather than scoring touchdowns, Chris Hunter has been scoring high praise since he joined the Scarborough High School Speech and Debate Team.

Through all of Chris' health problems, there has been so much support. "Scarborough is like a big 750-member family."

Hunter plans to use his speech and debate skills as a politician. He has mapped out a future that includes the University of Houston and then attending law school at Howard University. And, after a run for local and congressional office, he hopes to become governor.

"Although Hunter thrives to compete, speech and debate awards aren't what drives him," Fain said. "What's important to him is the forensic and volunteer program and that's why he is here. This program exists because of what we do in the community and the volunteering in the schools, giving kids opportuniteis that they don't have."

"It's all about helping those rise to the top that have been knocked down so many times before", said Chris Hunter.

Hunter's advise to those who are knocked down by life circumstances is prayer. A member of the Bellaire Church of Latter Day Saints, he said his faith guides him daily. "If you're not a religious person, you just have to come to a point where you have to be strong within yourself," he said. "Find that something within yourself that makes you believe that no matter how many times you're kicked down, you will get back up."

"I get emotional about it," he said. "For a long time, speech, debate and athletics were all I had. No matter what was going on at home, those three things helped keep me sane."

"Being a successful debater is more than simply arguing your case," Hunter said. "When I get into my 'mojo', I have to have a real feeling for whatever the subject is. I have to be real. It's never acting, it's interpreting," he said. "I transform myself," added Hunter. "When I debate, Chris goes out the window. After it's over, I feel like Chris again."

Chris has assumed a huge combination of leadership roles on the Scarborough Campus. After serving as the Student Director of the June 2004 NJFL National Tournamament hosted in Houston, his responsibilities now include the following:

• Captain of Scarborough's Speech, Debate & Theatre Team
• President of the Junior Class
• Captain of the Football Team
• President of the Scarborough Band

When life threw him off course, the Scarborough orator had a great comeback!