Great Bend High School’s Speech and Debate team will be represented on the national stage this June, as three students have qualified for the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) Tournament in Richmond, Va.

Senior Quinton Heath secured his spot this past weekend by winning the Dramatic Interpretation event at the district level. His compelling Serious Solo performance earned him the championship title and the opportunity to represent the West Kansas District at the national tournament.

Heath will join juniors Parker Coleman and Kendra Scheideman, who qualified earlier this season in Student Congress. They will compete in mock Congressional debates as members of the House of Representatives. Their success came at a March tournament hosted by Newton High School, where 11 West Kansas schools competed. In a field of approximately 70 students, Coleman and Scheideman emerged as two of the top debaters, earning national bids.

Additional students also delivered strong performances at the district level. Hunter McClanahan, Grace Miller, Mark Sperlein, and Ethan Harrington advanced to the Supersession round in Congressional Debate, representing Great Bend with distinction. The Panthers earned 2nd place overall at the Congress Tournament, finishing just behind Salina South.

In interpretation events, Sebastian Quezada and Addie Hart placed fourth in Duo Interpretation, followed by Samantha Negaard and Mark Sperlein in fifth. Kyra Lewis earned fourth place in Program of Oral Interpretation, while Kendra Scheideman added a sixth-place finish in the same event.

Head Coach Kim Heath praised the team’s dedication and team culture. “I’m incredibly proud of our students. Their talent, leadership, and support for one another are what drive our success.”

The season also brought recognition for the coaching staff. Voted on by fellow West Kansas coaches, Assistant Coach Pamela Williams was named Assistant Coach of the Year, and Head Coach Kim Heath earned Head Coach of the Year honors.