The Illinois College Debate Team was recognized this week as a top new program in the Cross Examination Debate Association.
Illinois College defeated eight other programs across the country to earn the Garrison Newcomer Award.
According to a press release, the Cross Examination Debate Association is comprised of 67 institutions, including universities like Notre Dame and Standford, as well as small liberal colleges.
The Debate Team competes in both the fall and spring semesters.
The IC team includes seniors Austin Brooks of Lincoln, Renata Gray of Oak Lawn, Julia Mendez of Brooklyn, New York, and Nisreen Zaqout of Gaza, Palestine; Junior Lani Pecher of Lakewood, Washington; sophomores Nathaniel Groh of Mount Vernon and James Hills of Pittsfield; and first-year students Alyssa Herzing of Granite City and Austin Phillips of Greenfield.