Great Bend High School junior Thomas Henrikson has qualified for the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Congressional Debate Tournament, which will be held this summer in Phoenix, Ariz.  

Additionally, senior Maddix Pokorski was named the second alternate in the Senate. Pokorski will be moved up to a qualifying spot if any of the students decline their spot in the Senate to pursue a different event at the National tournament. Two other senior debaters, Adeline Dougherty and Xanna Smith, advanced to the final session known as the Super Session. Also representing the Panthers in the mock Congressional debates were freshmen Quinton Heath in the Senate and Hannah Hopkins in the House of Representatives.

The NSDA Congressional Debate format is an amazing opportunity for students to build leadership skills, said GBHS debate coach Kim Heath. It simulates the workings of the United States Congress requiring the students to write bills and resolutions on current issues of concern. The debaters then research and debate the bills using parliamentary procedure. Through this activity, students develop the critical thinking and communication skills necessary for effective leadership and public service.

Thomas competed against some of the top students in the West Kansas NSDA District to secure his spot in the prestigious tournament. “This is a significant achievement for Thomas and a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent,” coach Heath said.

The NSDA National Speech and Debate Tournament is the largest academic competition in the world, bringing together over 4,000 of the top high school debaters and speech students from across the United States. Participants compete in a series of rounds, showcasing their skills in research, public speaking, and critical thinking. The Panther forensic team is working hard for the chance to add additional national qualifiers at the West Kansas District Individual Events Qualifier which will take place at the end of April. If all goes well, additional GBHS students will join Henrikson this June at the NSDA Nationals in Arizona. 

Thomas is thrilled to have qualified for the tournament and said representing Great Bend and his teammates and coaches on the national stage will be an honor. “This opportunity wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my teammates and especially Mrs. Heath for pushing me to compete and do my very best, and to never count myself out no matter how big of a challenge something might be,” he said.