Since freshman year of high school, Walt Shelton has wanted to start a speech and debate team at Hartselle High School. During the summer before his senior year, he started the team. It was quite successful its first year under Shelton’s presidency. Now, he is graduating with plans to attend the University of Alabama.
When he started high school, he just wanted to “get through it.” But soon, his mindset changed. He decided to not just get through high school but to work hard. “As I went about the years, I took advantage of high school and became a more goal setting, ambitious individual who’s looking to not just get by but to put my best foot forward.” This led him to get very involved with clubs and organizations, something he would highly recommend to other high schoolers. He said, “The best thing you can do is get involved in his clubs-- these clubs that will establish lifelong friendships and help you in your aspirations and what you want to do in life. They’re really great ideas to help find your niche and find your passion for what you want to do in life.”
Shelton highly encourages students to apply for leadership programs such as the EDGE
Leadership Program, Alabama Boys State, Alabama Governor’s School, and Youth Legislature. He spent most of his summer away at Boys State and Governor’s School, but he believes it was well worth it. “I learned a lot of lessons, and I made some amazing friends. I’m going to Alabama this year, and I have a whole friend group--and potentially a roommate-- set up from Boys State.” He explained that many of the same people attend these events, inspired, goal-setting individuals.
Through these organizations, Shelton found his niche, and not only that, but he found inspiration to start the HHS Speech and Debate team. He explained, “In the summer, I met a lot of people who were in it, and they just absolutely loved it. ” So, he contacted administration, found the perfect team sponsor, Kelly Cimino, and began recruiting members and practicing. Shelton competed in the debate competitions with first Olivia Patterson and then Kameron Kirby. Shelton and Kirby placed runner up at State for Public Forum. The debate team traveled to high schools across the state to compete. These overnight weekend trips were the root of Shelton’s best memories.
Shelton described himself as a history buff, explaining that Kevin Shiver’s interactive and thought-stimulating AP U.S. History class was his favorite at HHS. This, along with his experience in debate, taught him to study topics from different points of view. It also taught him about managing his time. In addition to many clubs, Shelton took 5 AP classes his senior year. He advised, “Take advantage of the free time that you have at school. I did a lot of homework at school. Instead of sitting on your phone, you sit there and do your homework, knock out some stuff so you can do other things later.”
Even though he had an enjoyable time in high school, Shelton is excited to graduate. He plans to attend the University of Alabama with a major in economics and a possible major or minor in political science. He will also be part of the Blount Scholars Program. Then, he will be off to law school, hopefully Harvard or Georgetown. He plans to practice corporate law at a very reputable law firm.
Congrats, Walt!
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