Debate to Leadership

By Ryan Tipsord ’26

Only two students from each state are selected to attend Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. Charlie Nelles, ‘26, was one of them. 

At Boys Nation, Charlie spent a week with some of the top student leaders across the country to gain a deeper understanding of the American Government. Charlie still holds this experience and the perspective he gained from it deeply,

 “At first I didn’t really care about politics, ” Nelles said. “But Speech and Debate opened that door for me.”

This honor came from an unexpected source: Brophy’s Speech and Debate Team, which Nelles joined as a freshman to improve his public speaking skills.

 “I figured I would give a speech and debate a try”, Nelles said. “It completely changed my life”.

Charlie’s time isn’t only taken up as captain of Brophy’s Speech and Debate team, but also a medley of activities, from being president of Brophy’s Young Democrats to president of Youth Government. These roles reflect his passion for politics and leadership, which will leave a mark on Brophy. 

Now, as Charlie prepares for his final year at Brophy, his focus is on smoothly transitioning his leadership position and mentoring younger students.  “I want to make sure everything I built continues when I’m gone, ” Nelles said. “It’s about leaving things better than I found them.”