On Oct. 20, the Great Bend High School debate team traveled to Valley Center High School to compete with two varsity, one junior varsity and four novice teams against 30 other schools with 40 varsity, 39 junior varsity and 66 novice teams.                                      In varsity division, Michael Gieck and Jordan Stoulil placed 8th with a 4-1 win loss record and 26 speaker points. “Open was a great experience I hope to do better next time” Stoulil stated.           
In junior varsity division, Morgan Francis and Kameko Schultz placed 6th with a 4-1 win loss record and 22 speaker points. “It was a pretty good tournament” Francis stated.         
In novice division Kenna Dirks and Elizabeth Becker placed 3rd with a 5-0 win loss record and 19 speaker points “I’m really proud of both of us. Going through this experience with Elizabeth was amazing” Dirks stated. Sarah Keller and Mallorie McNett placed 7th, Mallorie stated, “I am very proud of my partner and I working so well together, I am super excited that we got a four one record with 21 speaker points.”
The Debate Squad placed as Grand Champions (1st) overall with the help of Maddi Bonham, Lesley Galvan, Kimberly Gonzalez, Marissa Hoisington, Chase Pumford and Kane Schumacher. “I think the debate squad did an amazing job. It was a very big tournament and the results were impressive” coach Barbara Watson stated.