On my word.

The timer ticked a second too fast, from the first tournament of the season at the Niles Township Invitational, to the last tournament, the Tournament of Champions (TOC), each second marked a season of unforgettable moments. 

Beyond the tournaments itself, the season was also marked by memorable moments. Whether flying out to tournaments or riding buses the team built lasting memories through late-night prep sessions, team dinners, and free time in between rounds.  

“My favorite memory was hanging out with all of my friends in Michigan while prepping all the novices because it highlighted preparation between upperclassmen and underclassmen,” junior Zeke Wilson-Porter said. 

Three senior partnerships, Kailey Cabrera and Will Sterbenc, Saad Khan and Raman Mazahankou, and Dev Shah and Evan Parker attended the TOC by earning 2 or more bids in the debate season. The TOC is one of the highest and most prestigious debate tournaments. This year the team made history for the Niles North Debate team by sending 3 teams to the TOC. 

The team as a whole hit some of the biggest tournaments in the country. From the University of Michigan High School Tournament to The Glenbrooks to The Paradigm at Catholic Dowling, the team showed up ready to compete, left with lessons, and a few trophies too. 

“My favorite accomplishment on the debate team was going to Michigan with my friends,” freshman Lenn Piatek said. “Also making quarterfinals and getting 1st speaker.”

With the seniors passing the stand and younger debaters already stepping up, the future of Niles North Debate is looking bright. If this season was any sign, the best is yet to come. 

And time.