The Great Bend High School Forensics Team traveled to two tournaments, on Feb. 2nd. One group went to Kinsley and the other went to South Barber High School (Kiowa). Both teams placed 4th overall in sweepstakes and competed against approximately 20 different schools at both tournaments. Six students competed at the Kinsley tournament. Three students qualified to finals in the Informative event. Kameko Schultz placed 2nd, Riley Jones placed 3rd and Rebecca Clark placed 6th. In Original Oration event, Clara Kachanes placed 1st qualifiying to the State Championship Tournament and Jesus Sandoval placed 3rd. In Humorous Solo Acting Schultz placed 1st qualifying herself to the State Tournament. Jackie Enriquez also competed and helped contribute to the team’s sweepstakes.
Another group of seven competed at the South Barber High School tournament. In Extemporaneous Speaking Paige VanSteenburgh placed 1st qualifying her to the State Championship Tournament. In Serious Solo Acting Chase Pumford placed 2nd qualifying him to State. In Humorous Solo Acting Pumford also placed 3rd. In the Informative Event, Sara Keller placed 3rd. In Original Oration Nate Cheney placed 6th. Kenna Dirks and Keller just missed qualifying to Finals in Humorous Solo Acting. Jordan Otten and Kane Schumacher also contributed to the teams overall placing in sweepstakes.
The GBHS Forensics Squad now has six events qualified to the State Championship Tournament after just two weekends of competition.
On Feb. 9 the Great Bend Squad is hosting their own Invitational Tournament at the High School. Rounds will be at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and finals will be at 1:30 p.m. They still need more judges, so if you are interested in judging, call: (620) 793-1521 and ask for Mrs. Watson.