San Marcos, TX – 4/30/2025 – As part of the Youth Leadership San Marcos (YLSM) program, students had
the opportunity to showcase their leadership and communication skills through a special competition for
the “Rising Star Award for Public Speaking.” This award recognizes a student who demonstrated
exceptional poise, clarity, and self-reflection while presenting their personal leadership journey.

This year’s recipient is Aryam Nunez, a student at San Marcos High School, who stood out among her
peers with a compelling presentation about her role model, her career aspirations, and a personal story
of leadership through challenge.

As part of the competition, students created and delivered PowerPoint presentations focused on their
chosen role model, explained why they admired them, and shared the lessons they’ve taken from their
example. They also spoke about their career goals and described a time they navigated a difficult
situation in a leadership role—highlighting the real-world skills the program is designed to nurture.

“This competition allowed students to step into the role of speaker and leader, just like the business
professionals they learned from throughout the program,” said a YLSM facilitator. “Aryam showed
incredible maturity and vision, and we’re proud to recognize her growth.”

The Rising Star Award is one of several ways YLSM helps develop confident, community-minded students
prepared to contribute meaningfully to San Marcos’ future.

For more information about Youth Leadership San Marcos, visit the San Marcos Area Chamber of
Commerce.

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About the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce

Since 1903, providing ADVOCACY and CONNECTIONS for businesses to THRIVE. The Chamber’s mission is to improve the economic prosperity and quality of life of its members through leadership, education, and business advocacy. The SMTX Chamber’s vision is to be the leading membership organization that collaborates with stakeholders to develop an environment where businesses thrive, leadership is encouraged, students excel, housing is ample and attainable, all members are active, and quality of life is a priority. More Chamber information is available at SanMarcosTexas.com or call 512-393-5900.