The Great Bend High School Debate Team continues their fall season with outstanding results, community involvement, and continued academic engagement.

On Sept. 27, the team traveled to Junction City, earning second place overall behind Washburn Rural. In the Open Division, Quinton Heath and Kyra Lewis claimed second place, while Kim Peterson and Holly Ann Luttrell earned fourth-place medals. Honore’ Ajuoh Ngam and Nevaeh Nagel also impressed with a seventh-place finish in the Novice Division.

The team’s success continued on Oct. 12 in Hutchinson, where Ethan Harrington and Parker Coleman finished as tournament champions and the only undefeated team in the Open Division. In the Novice Division, Jaaziel Hernandez was forced to debate on his own after his partner fell ill. He delivered an inspiring solo performance and still won every round to finish in fourth place.

In addition to their competitive achievements, the Great Bend team hosted a home invitational for area schools. The Hays High Indians took home the championship trophy, but the event was a victory for the entire region thanks to the many volunteers and debate parents who served as judges and made other contributions to the tournament.

“Our students showed tremendous leadership both in and out of rounds,” said head coach Kim Heath. “They worked hard to make our home invitational a success, all while continuing to grow as competitors and thinkers. I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and teamwork.”

The debate program has also been active beyond tournaments. Students have worked concession stands, participated in other fundraising efforts, and recently attended Philosophy Day at Fort Hays State University with a variety of other central and western Kansas High School students. The discussions hosted by the FHSU’s Philosophy department examined the philosophical implications of Arctic exploration. 

With a strong start and growing momentum, Great Bend Debate looks forward to even more success as the season continues.  The following two weekends will find them competing in Newton and Lyons.