Debate participated in two tournaments in late October. One was held at Grayslake North on Friday, Oct. 20, and another was Oct. 21, at Jacobs High School.

Debate participated in two tournaments in late October. One was held at Grayslake North on Friday, Oct. 20, and another was Oct. 21, at Jacobs High School.

“One of our freshmen, Patrick Kilcullen, won the whole thing. Abby Hsaio took home a second place speaker award, [for the Saturday tournament],” said advisor Dustin Zubert.

The team has been preparing for these tournaments for several weeks by researching possible debate topics.

“We have to start the week we get back from a tournament. We have to research all nine bills that are given to us. Then we all have to individually prep speeches and then we have to practice giving those speeches,” said assistant Debate captain Cori Rathunde.

Tournaments take most of the day depending on how big or small they are. Some tournaments have five or six schools while others have around 25.

“At the Saturday tournament, we have two to three hours and 15 minute sessions with two breaks for lunch and planning. Then we stay longer for awards and go out for dinner on the way home,” said junior Anish Naik.

Debate meets Wednesdays after school in the library. This year’s team has around 9-10 active members in it. All are welcome to join the club and practice their arguing and speech skills.

“The core members of the team really like each other. We have a good team atmosphere,” Zubert said.