Oyler secures place in school history

By Calla Mounkes

April 13, 2006

Silver Lake High School has graduated many successful students in its history. Senior Alex Oyler has recently received national attention for his personal accomplishments in SLHS debate.

Surprisingly, Oyler's success in debate and forensics did not start his freshman year. During his first year at SLHS, he didn�t participate in either of the extracurricular activities. His first experience with Gail Naylor, the debate and forensics coach, was in the creative writing class his freshman year.

"My freshman year I didn't go out for debate or forensics, but I took Mrs. Naylor's creative writing class. She told me I should be in debate. I wanted to be in forensics, but she said that I should do debate first because it's better for you," said Oyler.

Since he joined the debate and forensics teams, Oyler has soared beyond any accomplishments he could have initially imagined. This year, he received the Academic All-American Award. In order to receive this honor, he had to meet many qualifications.

"The National Forensics League gives out the Academic All-American Award. You have to apply for it, and there are a few requirements. You have to have an ACT score over 30. You have to have over 1,000 NFL points. You have to have an outstanding academic record and outstanding success on the debate and/or forensics circuit. It's a pretty competitive award," said Oyler.

In debate, Oyler, along with his partner junior Nick Miller, has made school history by being the first policy debate team to qualify to the National Forensics League national tournament.

Oyler is satisfied with his achievements; however, he does wish he could come back next year and compete.

"Especially for being in the third year of debate, it feels really great. I just wish I could be back next year because I do have another year of eligibility. It feels really great to do so well at something I really like to do," said Oyler.

Along with his recorded achievements, Oyler feels that just his mere participation has affected his personal experience and growth during high school.

"I haven't really compared myself now from my freshman year, but I think I have grown a lot from taking debate and other Mrs. Naylor classes. She always knows what you need to do and tells you specifically. Even when your character or work ethic is out of line, she makes sure to let you know. I think Mrs. Naylor has helped me grow and become a better person in the last four years.

"I'm not really an athletic person. I think the extracurricular activities I do are really good for creating a work ethic because being in band and choir and debate and forensics all require a lot of work. And also it increases the range of your abilities that can help you after graduation. Debate and forensics help your public speaking, delivery and communication skills," said Oyler.

Naylor commented on Oyler's dedication, which aided in propelling him toward his accomplishments.

"Alex reads well, researches well, and then puts those skills he performs individually into his thinking and argumentative theory in front of a judge. He does the 'behind the scenes' work and is able to apply its usage in front of a judge.

"Alex came into my program as a sophomore novice, and as a testament to his innate thinking ability, he will be attending his third national CFL tournament in policy debate. He has started strong and simply perfected his skills over the years," said Naylor.

Miller, Oyler's debate partner, also felt that Oyler exhibited a resolute attitude this season.

"Alex has met this debate season with sheer determination and commitment. Through his and my constant concern and diligence, Alex and I were able to double-qualify and place third," said Miller.

The trumpet section performs at a school function. (Photo by

Coinciding with his participation in debate and forensics, Oyler has also excelled in the music arena. He has been in pep band and marching band all four years of high school, a member of the concert choir his junior year, and a current member of the select choir.

Oyler commented that his love of music was fostered at a young age.

"Music has always been an interest of mine. Ever since kindergarten and first grade, I took piano lessons and was in the church choir. Music has always been big in my family. ' probably the biggest reason I have been in band and choir," said Oyler.

His love of music evidently contributed to his recent performances. He received a "I" rating for his trumpet solo at regional music and a "I" for his vocal solo. These achievements qualify him for state in both band and choir. He will travel to the state music competition at Southeast of Saline High School on April 29.

Tonya McGough, choir teacher, commented that while she only had Oyler for two years, his victories were achievements to be noted.

"I've only had the pleasure of having Alex for two years. He has worked really hard in class and, most importantly, he really listens. He is a great young man just bursting with potential. Alex is dedicated, conscientious and smart!" said McGough.