Mesquite ISD

Poteet High School | Speech & Debate

Class of 2026

Dayana Rangel discovered the power of her voice in an unexpected moment. It happened during Mr. Blackwell’s end-of-year exam when she was called to give an impromptu speech. The topic was lighthearted—“Is a hot dog a sandwich?”—but as she began to speak, something shifted. Her thoughts came easily, her focus sharpened, and for the first time, she felt what it meant to command a room with her words. Her teachers took notice. For Dayana, this was more than a spark of hidden talent. It was the beginning of purpose.

Through debate, she uncovered more than confidence. She found a platform to express bold ideas, uplift others, and move toward the future she had long imagined. From the start, she carried herself with the quiet assurance of a leader. That sense of clarity was tested early on when she blanked during a freshman mock-trial closing argument. What could have been a setback became a defining moment. It reminded her that composure and preparation matter most when the pressure is high.

With every new role, Dayana has continued to grow. As a drum major in the band and a mentor in CX debate, she leads with strength, grace, and heart. Her leadership is grounded in purpose, and her inspiration begins at home. Her mother is her most significant influence, a steady force whose quiet brilliance continues to shape Dayana’s path.

Dayana’s dreams are bold and full of meaning. She sees herself pursuing an Ivy League education, stepping into public policy, and building a career that gives voice to those who are often unheard. She also dreams of giving back by creating a home for the family that has always supported her.

Through every challenge and triumph, Dayana returns to one simple truth. Life is what you make it. And she is determined to make it count