To Gianna Tognoni, debate is more than an afterschool activity; it’s the process through which she has become the person she is today. From an uncertain start in middle school to flying high in national-level competition in high school, Gianna proved that your passion, hard work, and not giving up on your dreams can take you places. Her story had started with the encouragement of a middle school history teacher who saw her potential way before she did. “He was so persistent,” Gianna says, laughing. “He kept pushing to get me onto the debate team he was coaching, though I didn’t immediately do so.” In fact, it was not until eighth grade that Gianna decided to finally give debate a try. What originally began as just a carefree way of staying active soon developed into something very important to her. “Originally, debate was something for fun,” she expounds. “But now, it’s a competitive activity that I strive to excel in every single day.” Gianna credits her aunt, an actress, as another major influence in her debate career. Together, the two would get ready for competitions, perfecting performances and discussing approaches. Gianna states “ Her belief in my ability gave me the confidence to keep going and push myself further.” In all of Gianna’s debate career, there was one topic that really was difficult for her. She remembers performing a piece on a mother who was impacted by the Oklahoma City bombing. “That performance required me to dig deep,” she says. “I had to do extensive research to really understand what survivors went through and how to authentically convey their emotions.” It wasn’t about just stating the facts; this was about telling a story that mattered. This trait of being able to make out perspectives is a core attribute that every good debater must possess. One has got to be all ears, to different viewpoints. That, with the confidence in your beliefs, is what separates great debaters. As a result of her persistence and hard work, her success

has come through by breaking at nationals and the fifth place at the famous University of Florida’s Blue Key competition. Yet, Gianna remains humble as, to her, losses are an opportunity for growth. “Debate is tough; losses are part of this journey,” she reflects. “I’ve learned that no single competition defines you. What matters is how you learn from each experience and keep moving forward.” As president of Cardinals Newman’s debate club, Gianna has thrown herself into the leadership role fervently. She loves being able to help her peers improve and make sure everyone feels lifted up. “I hope to be remembered as someone who made a positive impact,” she says. “Not only for my commitment to debate, but for creating a family-like atmosphere in which everyone feels included.” Gianna’s precompetition habits reflect her own support network. Her father has been present at tournaments throughout her career and before each round, they “always meet up beforehand and go over exactly what I need to do,” she says happily. A tradition that keeps her grounded and focused. When the intensity of debate subsides, Gianna finds ways to recharge and reflect. Whether it’s spending time with family and friends or enjoying quiet moments to herself, she values balance in her life. “After a tournament, I like to unwind by being around the people who mean the most to me,”she says. As graduation is fast approaching, Gianna can’t wait to debate at the collegiate level. She hopes to continue competing on a collegiate speech and debate team and is confident the skills she has learned will serve her well both in her future academic and professional pursuits. “Debate has taught me how to effectively communicate,” she says. “It’s a skill I’ll carry with me no matter where life takes me.” When asked what advice she would offer younger debaters, Gianna is quick to encourage stepping out of one’s comfort zone. “Try different events and topics,” she says. “That’s the best way to grow and discover what you’re truly passionate about.” For Gianna, debate has been about more than just competition—it’s been about connection, growth, and self-discovery. Her leadership,

resilience, and positive energy have left a lasting impact on her teammates and peers. In a team, Gianna does not only bring her positivity, but she even makes debates not just about winning rather about learning and growing together.
Gianna not only is a superstar in debate, but also a true leader in our sports community. She has been a member of the varsity volleyball team since freshman year at Newman and has served as a ray of light and inspiration to her teammates and fans over the years. Gianna brings a positive energy and passion to the volleyball team which reflects on her performance as a setter. As a senior, Gianna took on the role as one of the captains this season. She states how proud she was to have such an influential role on the team where she could “guide teammates and new players to achieve their fullest potential”. Volleyball has been a passion for Gianna since she was eleven years old and it has impacted her life so much. She not only plays school volleyball but also travel volleyball such as Jupiter elite. Gianna has built so many friendships and bonds with teammates throughout the years that will last a lifetime. She loves the support of her family and friends in the stands at her games. Volleyball has given her the opportunity to build qualities such as discipline, perseverance, determination, leadership skills, and confidence. These qualities have helped her to grow as a well rounded player and student. Gianna is known to be an influential student athlete at our school balancing athletics, clubs, and rigorous academics. She states how “none of my goals would be achieved without the support of my family and loved ones”. Gianna also adds that “most importantly, I wouldn’t achieve anything without believing in myself and allowing a mindset of confidence and persistence”. Gianna’s goals and mindset towards success remind us how important it is to believe in ourselves and be open to challenges so that we can learn from them.

Gianna also emphasizes how important friendships are in her personal life. She doesn’t realize how important of a role she plays in her friends and fellow students’ lives. Senior Jake Pepin claims “Gianna is such a hardworking and compassionate person that inspires me everyday to be the best person I can be and I couldn’t imagine life without her”. Senior Izzy Herlong states “Gianna has been one of my closest friends for the past three years and I don’t know what I’d do without her. Her smile lights up any room and she never fails to make me laugh!! She’s one of the most hardworking people I know and I know she’ll do great things in life!”. Another one of Gianna’s close senior friends, Shay Pfendler, says “Gianna has been one of my best friends in high school and she has the most contagious laugh. I’m so inspired by everything she does and I love any time I get to spend with her. I love her so much!”. Gianna not only has affected the lives of her fellow upperclassmen but also the underclassmen. Sophomore Cameron Pepin expresses Gianna’s importance in her life. “Gianna is like the big sister I never got to have and her kindness towards me will always be something that I cherish! I’m so lucky to have had her to help me adjust to high school and introduce me to her friends. She has grown to become one of my most favorite people and I wish her all the best for the future. She’s such a role model to me and I look up to her in so many aspects”. Sophomore Tessa O’Sullivan also describes the inspiration that Gianna has brought her in debate and life. Tessa says “Gianna is the sweetest person and has influenced me in ways you couldn’t imagine, I can only hope to be half as successful as she is! Wishing her the best in life and am grateful to have met her”. Gianna has

built so many connections in her high school years and will continue to shine as she follows God’s plan for her.
As Gianna prepares for the next great chapter of her life, her story reminds one that with persistence, community, and self-belief, anything is possible. Both the debate and volleyball communities as well as the world should expect phenomenal things from this senior. Wherever life takes Gianna, the Cardinal Newman community will be cheering her on! From the bottom of our hearts, thanks Gianna, for being you!