In policy debate, teams of two debate about government policies centered around one topic throughout the year. During enrichment we have lectures, drills, practice debates, and debate games! It is a year-round activity, we typically send teams to one tournament a month. We send teams to both local and national tournaments, and teams have qualified to the Tournament of Champions (TOC), the most prestigious national tournament in the country. Teams have been ranked as high as #4 in the country this year! We have been state finalists twice, and won the state champion title in 2023. If you are interested in gaining public speaking and research skills, come to debate!

When: Monday Enrichments 316, Thursday Enrichments 122, Wedesnday Seminar 1

Join: Show up! (Level 4)

Leaders: Kavin Bendre - kabendre@cps.edu, Annika Sengupta - asengupta@cps.edu, Kevser Basic -  kbasic1@cps.edu, Maximilian Dan - mpdan@cps.edu, Anna Buckley - abuckley2@cps.edu 

Sponsor: Mr. Lezcano

Achievements: State Finalists IHSA States 2022. Won IHSA States 2023. State Quarterfinalist 2025. Numerous national tournament victories and high placements/recognition. #4 in the country at the start of 2025. Have consistently bid to the most prestigious national tournament, the Tournament of Champions (TOC).

Social Media: Instagram - @paytondebate

Future Lawyers Club introduces students to various fields of law, providing a platform to explore potential career paths in the legal profession. Members have the opportunity to learn about criminal, corporate, environmental, and international law, among others, through engaging discussions and activities. The club also hosts guest speakers, including practicing attorneys and legal experts who previously attended institutions such as Harvard Law and Northwestern Law, sharing their experiences and offering valuable insights into the legal field. By fostering curiosity and understanding, the club aims to inspire and prepare students for future careers in law.

When: Thursday Enrichments 318

Join: Show up! (Level 2)

Leader:  Dylan Blum - dblum1@cps.edu, Liam Smith - lmsmith28@cps.edu, Iris Li -  izli@cps.edu, Isaac Doi - ijdoi@cps.edu 

Sponsor: Mr. Luis Menacho

Speech club aims to improve speaking ability, build confidence, and foster effective communication. We do this through lessons, drills, and competition through IHSA. Whether you consider yourself a drama person, a future Ted talker, an off the cuff speaker, or just want to learn how to talk better, speech club is the place for you! Join speech club, we speak good.

When: Tuesday Enrichments 118

Join: Show up (Level 3)

President:  Hannah Doi - hedoi@cps.edu

Leaders: Isaac Doi - ijdoi@cps.edu

Sponsor: Mr. Sam Lee

Achievements: We are Payton's first competitive speech team, currently the only CPS school competing in speech, and we went to finals in novice and varsity at a tournament last year.