Competition Groups

Chess is a competitive team that competes in matches and tournaments. We are looking for students who are interested in competitive chess and want to develop skills that will improve their level of play. In team competition, eight players form a Varsity team and play individual matches against players from opposing teams. We also have a JV team that competes in tournaments and matches.

Debate affords interested students an opportunity to learn the rudiments of persuasive speech while acquiring an in-depth knowledge of national affairs. GBN debaters participate in tournaments each weekend competing against schools from throughout the United States. Debaters combine after-school practices with individual research, both of which are highlighted by personal achievement and team camaraderie.

This club is designed for any student who wishes to realize opportunities of a business career, establish occupational goals, gain business experience and develop self-confidence. The value of community responsibility is learned through speakers and other club activities. Participation in DECA competitions is also available to the student.

FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America)/ is designed especially for students who are enrolled in family & consumer sciences. It explores and prepares them for careers, including the cooperative educational program. The program is designed to help build both leadership & “followship” in its members as they take into their hands both the planning & implementing of school related chapter activities. Attendance at local, state & national conferences is a key opportunity.

Students with an interest and ability in mathematics are afforded an opportunity to compete at local, state and national levels. The team is a member of the 55-school North Suburban Math League. The organization is open to all levels of math students who wish to improve their problem-solving skills by participating in competitive mathematics.

Model UN is open to ALL students. In fact, because conferences are held across the school year, and students can pick and choose which events to participate. Students involved in seasonal athletics and/or other yearlong activities are still able to be involved with Model UN. While students are encouraged to attend at least one conference during the season to get a more complete understanding of what Model UN is and does, there is NO obligation or requirement for students to attend a conference. Due to the cost obligation to delegates, many delegates only attend 1-2 conferences. Conferences range in price from $20-$50 for a one-day, in-state conference to $250-$400 for a four-day, in-state conference (based on a minimum of 6 delegates attending).

If you are interested in joining or have any questions regarding Model UN, email GBNModelUN@gmail.com. When emailing for the first time as a new delegate, please include your Name and ID# in the email. Also, add us as a group on Facebook. We regularly send out meeting times and dates via Facebook and email messages instead of making morning announcements.

Scholastic Bowl is a competitive club open to all GBN students. The Scholastic Bowl members will gain a broadened knowledge of general facts as well as be able to showcase their individual intelligence of information.

Individual Events (I.E.)/Speech offers a unique opportunity for students to develop a diverse set of performance skills.  Students learn to express their dramatic, broadcasting, public speaking, reading, writing, and comedic talents.

An audition is required. Students compete against other schools in such events as humorous and dramatic interpretation, duet acting, radio speaking, oratory, special occasion speaking, extemporaneous and impromptu speaking, prose reading, poetry, original comedy, and more.