A 2024 graduate of Siloam Springs High School, Tugwell competed as a multi-sport athlete for the Panthers at the 5A level. The Port-Au-Prince native earned four letters in track and field under head coach Chuck Jones, three in basketball under head coach Tim Stewart, and three in football under head coach Brandon Craig.

He earned All-State recognition three times in track and field while also receiving three All-Conference selections. Tugwell captured conference titles in both the long jump and triple jump, along with finishing among the top 20 All-State decathletes. He qualified for the Meet of Champions twice during his career.

Silas is the son of Noel and Lori Tugwell and hopes to major in film.