After years of informal discussion and low-pressure argumentation, debate club is entering a new era.
Starting this fall, the club will be creating its first formal, competitive team.
While the same easygoing club will still be available to those seeking a more laid-back environment, the team will offer opportunities to put skills to use in real, high-pressure competitions.
Debate was something that sophomore Vivian Schroeder joined as a freshman, but she quickly realized that it was not all she had hoped for
“I realized I had more of a passion for [debate] than the club allowed,” Schroeder said. “I started competing as an individual and made it to nationals, which was the experience of a lifetime.”
Schroeder, who worked to bring about the new, competitive side of the club, is captaining this year.
“I wanted more people to have the wonderful experience of a real competition, with real stakes,” Shroeder said.
Despite not having an official competitive team, the club has always had the feel of something serious, according to junior member Sophie Antonini.
“I had gone to debate club last year, and it was a super great environment for people that are just wanting to get started,” Antonini said.
Antonini said that she used to have trouble speaking in front of people, and debate club offered a safe space to voice her opinions to others. She felt that inexperience was a common theme among the members, as many were also there looking to improve.
“I’m excited for all the new aspects of the team this school year,” Antonini said. “But I’m also just excited to become a better public speaker and debater.”
For many years, the club was sponsored by Ms. Lane, who taught American Literature and Public Speaking/Debate. The torch has since been passed on to Mrs. Warner, who teaches Literature and Composition 1.
The introduction of the team has not come without its difficulties, though.
There have been discrepancies and uncertainties about where to compete, whether or not the club and team will be separate, and choosing a new sponsor.
According to Schroeder, The team is now in need of a new sponsor, separate from the club, who will take on the responsibilities of transporting the team and acting as a coach.
“We are 90% sure we have one, but still have to do paperwork before it’s final and we can announce it,” Schroeder said.
The team will participate in competitions through IHSA (Illinois High School Association) and the NSDA (National Speech and Debate Association), and they hope to start competing around November.
While the team may have struggled to get its footing, they are building themselves up to succeed.
“We definitely struggled to figure things out and to get on the right path, but I think we are finally getting things together,” Schroeder said. “We can’t wait to see another opportunity for the student body to learn to use their voice.”