From the beginning of the school year to the end of February, the debate team has been working hard to make it a good season. From endless research and multiple practice chambers, everyone was kept busy in their effort to do their best for the team.
“We did lots of practice. [We did] practice chambers and made sure everyone was doing the research and the contentions,” said Zareen Coker, freshman.
During the 2025-2026 season, history was made when Seniors Azhar Ahmed, Alleyah Genosa, Vihaan Thakkar, and Bratindra Thati won the debate state championship, giving the first place award to Hoffman Estates High School.
“It was an 8-year dream come true and our team of four champions are just…they were the dream team. It was really the highlight of my career,” said Coach Renee Johansson, social studies department.
The seniors haven’t been the only ones working hard. Each debater has their own role to play. Everyone’s own preparations contribute to the success of not only themselves but the team as a whole. As Benjamin Franklin once said: “…by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” The team made preparation a major focus.
“I completed all 18 possible speeches…So yeah I did quite a bit of preparation,” said Phoenix Coker, junior.
Many join the debate team in their freshman year. Over the course of the four years, the current seniors have made so many memories. Even for those who join in later years, there are always moments to be remembered.
“It was kind of cool making all the memories [throughout the] four years. Everybody knows me in the circuit. I know kind of everybody. So it’s pretty cool. You see familiar faces,” said Bratindra Thati, senior.
Over the years, people grow, not just as debaters, but as people and adults preparing to go into the real world. Debate teaches skills like public speaking, critical thinking, persuasive writing, argumentation, and so much more.
“What I love about debate is you get to watch people grow and then you push them off into the world and then you have a new set of people that grow into their shoes,” said Coach Matthew Dowd, social studies department.
Even though debate is a challenging and tiring activity, it’s always sweet after a meet. “My favorite memory would be getting ice cream after ICDA 2,” said Ibrahim Imtiaz-Uddin.
Devanshi Rindani contributed to this report.
