Attending and placing at almost six Illinois Congressional Debate Association (ICDA) tournaments per year, the HPHS Debate Team is one of the most celebrated clubs at Highland Park High School. Over the years, debate has attended prestigious national competitions such as events at Harvard University, and Sunvite– a national tournament in Florida.
Within tournaments, debaters are tasked with acting as senators and representatives from Washington, D.C., or Springfield, Illinois. They draft mock bills and resolutions in order to address a certain problem, which fall into the three categories of economics, foreign affairs, and civil policy, while battling over whether or not to approve of the resolutions within their respective chambers. At the end of the tournament, awards are granted to both individuals and teams based on their performance throughout the day.
This year, seniors Eli Levin and Emma Shiner, juniors Liam Rosemeyer, and freshman Lucy Rosemeyer all received first-place awards. Senior Renata Smoler and juniors Rylee Weber and Callie Wu earned a number of second-place awards as well. Out of the hundreds of Chicago-land debaters that participated in this tournament, it was remarkable that such a large number of HPHS students were able to obtain national recognition! The hard work that is put in for these tournaments is seen and rewarded, especially when last season they won the ICDA state championship.
A sentiment shared by many members concludes that while debate is very hard work, it is also a lot of fun. “Going on debate trips with the team and becoming closer to them is one of my favorite memories on the team. Specifically, I remember watching an episode of a reality TV show with a few people in my hotel room and laughing so hard my stomach hurt,” stated junior Callie Wu. Debaters are able to enjoy both the social and academic aspects in a way that makes them feel proud of their hard work. “It feels good to finally reflect on all of the positives and feel proud because debate is certainly not easy, but overall, really fulfilling,” stated junior, Isabelle Novoseletsky.
Both Wu and Novoseletsky highlighted how useful their debate skills are outside of tournaments. “Besides helping me in my sophomore year debate unit and writing essays, I’ve won so many arguments with my family,” Wu says. Novoseletsky added, “I feel that I have become a better writer in English class. I am able to get any point across a lot easier; my critical and quick thinking skills have drastically improved.”
They both strongly encourage other students to join, no matter their experience level with debate. Wu highlights, “There’s absolutely no experience necessary, and the community is so welcoming. I’ve made so many friends that I would never have talked to otherwise.” Any grade level is welcome to join and become part of the extremely successful team, as well as the exciting community that debate offers to its members!
After placing third at two of the tournaments so far this season, the Highland Park debate team is set up for an extremely successful season. There is a lot more to look forward to from this team!
