In February, the HPHS Debate team concluded their Illinois Congressional Debate Association (ICDA) season. Since the season’s opening in September, the team has been working hard – efforts that have been rewarded by lots of success.
Within the tournaments themselves, debaters pose as senators and representatives from Washington D.C. and Springfield, focusing their attention towards passing mock resolutions and bills on issues regarding economics, foreign affairs, and civil policy. Some highlights this year include winning the Illinois State Runner-up Trophy, having junior Liam Rosemeyer participate in the invite-only Harvard Round-Robin, and having multiple students advance to semifinals or elimination rounds in multiple competitive and prestigious tournaments.
This year marked the fourth consecutive season that the team finished either as State Champions or runner-ups, as well as the seventh year in a row that the team won a top-three sweepstakes trophy. Individual debaters also experienced a great deal of individual success.
In the championship bracket and chamber, senior Eli Levin placed an historic first overall. In reflecting upon his four years on the team, Levin spoke to the amount of work put forth into his debate experience.
“I’ve written more than one-hundred fifty speeches across the last four years, and I’ve been able to get to a point where I can write a five-hundred word speech in fifteen minutes, something that used to take me over an hour,” Levin explained.
Beyond the first place winners, Sophomore Grayson Figenholz placed an astounding second overall in the invitational bracket and first in chamber. Among Figenholz, senior Sophia Elkin, senior Liam Ornstein, and sophomore Espi Semrad also placed second in chamber, with Sophomore Evan Rubenstein and senior Renata Smoler placing third. Elkin, Smoler, and Semrad all won best presiding officer as well.
For the team’s seniors, however, this year of debate proved a bittersweet experience. Renata Smoler, a senior who has been on the debate team for four years, describes the state tournament as extremely special, considering that it is many members last time competing.
“It is an extremely emotional and sentimental time where you get to celebrate all of the teamwork, collaboration, and friendship that make debate an amazing community,” Smoler said.
Smoler went on to emphasize the rewarding nature of debate.
“[Debate] has consistently rewarded me by a team that is made up of my closest friends, people who I am able to argue with and push each other to do better, but also laugh and have fun together. Having this team throughout my four years gave me amazing role-models and has taught me how to be a role model for younger grades.”
Sophia Elkin, another senior on the team, reminisced upon the hard work and dedication that she put forth over the past four years.
“I like to think of debate as a whole other class, it is more than an extracurricular — you have your research, you have to understand the legislation, you have to write speeches,” Elkin said.
Overall, despite the many triumphs of Highland Park Debate, the team serves as more than just a club for its many members. The community, friendship, and lessons gained over each conference transcend school walls, creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether for college applications, English class, or work, debate can translate some of the most valuable lessons outside of the club and into the real world.
While the season is winding down, the team still has a lot to look forward to next season including the efforts of many strong returning juniors and underclassmen who are sure to maintain HP Debate’’s successful streak.