Adonis Wazni on Debate, Science Research, and Leadership
In Episode 27 of The Late Start Show, we sit down with Adonis Wazni, senior, captain of the Public Forum debate team, president of the Student Investment Committee, and science researcher. Adonis reflects on growing up at University School as a lifer, what it’s been like finally sharing campus with his younger brother, and how joining debate in eighth grade helped him grow from an introvert into a confident speaker and leader. He also shares how he got involved in school spirit work behind the scenes and dives into his award-winning science research, including a biomimicry project inspired by penguins, sharks, water striders, and even golf balls to reduce noise pollution and wake from container ships.
From navigating 13 different debate partners over four years to finally qualifying for both states and nationals, Adonis opens up about resilience, communication, and what it means to lead with consistency. He talks about how classes like stats, science, English, and economics shaped the way he thinks in debate, what he hopes to build in the Student Investment Committee by making sure every voice is heard, and why he sees college as a chance to keep learning before narrowing his focus. He also reflects on his powerful senior speech about names, identity, and assumptions, and closes with a “why” rooted in effort, gratitude, and growth: if he’s going to do something, he’s going to give it his best.
Credits to Theo Walter for Production and Editing, Russ Nobles for the Intro and Outro songs, Mr. Wickboldt for being our advisor, and you for listening to our podcast and keeping up with the latest US news.
Adonis Wazni is a senior at University School, recognized for his leadership and academic excellence. He serves as the captain of the Public Forum debate team and is the president of the Student Investment Committee. A 'lifer' at University School, Adonis has attended the institution since kindergarten and is a member of the Class of 2026. He is an accomplished science researcher, having earned a Third Place award at the Ohio Environmental Education Fund State Science Day for his biomimicry project on reducing noise pollution and wakes from ship hulls. Adonis was also a Grand Prize Winner at the 2025 Northeastern Ohio Science & Engineering Fair (NEOSEF) and a finalist at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Additionally, he is a National Merit Finalist and a Cum Laude Society inductee, named Phi Beta Kappa of the Class of 2026.