The District National Qualifying Speech Tournament was held on Saturday, April 19, at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina.  Great Bend High School had five students advance to semi-finals in five events. 
These individuals are Malia Clark and Aaron Miller in Duo Interpretation, Kris Gieck and Jesus Sandoval also in Duo Interpretation and Sandoval also advanced in Humorous Interpretation.  Carter Sheffield also advanced to semi-finals in both of his individual events of Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking and Dramatic Interpretation.  Kenna Dirks, Makinna Dykes and Ashtin Heath also represented the GBHS forensics squad by competing at the tournament.
“Only the top two to three placings in each event qualify to the national tournament, but the squad was very competitive and hopeful about the future,” said GBHS coach  Barbara Watson.  The team will be traveling to the 5A State Speech Championship Tournament Saturday at Emporia.