Great Bend High School students delivered an impressive showing at state forensics events over the weekend, culminating in an eighth-place team finish at the State Championship tournament in Valley Center.
At the State One Act Festival on Friday at Maize High School, Zach Hart directed the play “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors” to a top “I” rating. Great Bend students that were part of the One Act troupe included: Katlyn Roddey, Kaitlyn Froetschner, Angel Garcia, Azul Guyton, Aliza Belcher, Addison Hart, Leighton Kelly, Benton Jeska, Mark Sperlein, Zairabella Harbaugh, Jaaziel Hernandez, and Adrian Huitron. This is the first time in several years that the Panthers have competed in the One Act Festival. Assistant coach, Pamela Williams, formed the bridge between forensics and theater to put the team together.
On Saturday, a small group of forensics students returned to Maize for Day two of the State Festival. Kaitlyn Deason earned gold medals and “I” ratings in both Prose Interpretation and Impromptu Speaking. Hunter McClanahan also secured gold medals and “I” ratings in Oration, and Humorous Interpretation. Freshman, Elliot Jimenez received a “II” rating in Informative Speaking.
At the State Championship tournament in Valley Center, several Great Bend students advanced deep into elimination rounds and earned top placements in finals competition. Senior Zachary Hart finished as state runner-up in International Extemporaneous Speaking, while fellow senior Quinton Heath placed third in Dramatic Interpretation and added an 11th-place finish in Program of Oral Interpretation.
Among juniors, Parker Coleman placed third in Informative Speaking, Kendra Scheideman finished 10th in Oration, and Kyra Lewis earned 10th place in Program of Oral Interpretation.
Sophomore Tori Nelson placed fourth in Prose Interpretation. Freshman Jaaziel Hernandez narrowly missed advancing in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking.
In Duo Interpretation, teams of Sebastian Quezada and Addie Hart, as well as Samantha Negaard and Mark Sperlien, competed at the state level and earned Sweepstakes points for the team. Negaard also participated in Impromptu Speaking.
The state performances highlighted the depth of talent and preparation within Great Bend High School’s forensics program. “This weekend showcased what forensics is all about,” head coach Kim Heath said. “Our students have been refining and practicing their performances to keep improving and it showed. What stood out most was the wide variety of talents on display within the Panther team. Each student brought something unique while delivering with confidence and composure under pressure.”
“I am so impressed with their ability to collaborate, stay focused, and succeed in a competitive environment,” Heath continued. “The success at State shows off the essential life skills they’re developing through this activity.”
The State tournament ended the regular season for the Panther forensics team. Quinton Heath, Parker Coleman and Kendra Scheideman will represent GBHS in Richmond at the National tournament in June.
