Members of the Great Bend High School Forensics team traveled to Richmond, Virginia, June 14–19 to compete at the National Speech and Debate Tournament, the nation's largest academic competition for speech, debate, and performance events.
Representing Great Bend High School were 2026 graduate Quinton Heath and upcoming seniors Parker Coleman, Kendra Scheideman, and Kyra Lewis. The students earned the opportunity to compete at nationals after qualifying through the West Kansas District Tournament.
Heath competed in Dramatic Interpretation with a serious solo entitled, “Red God.” The trip to Richmond marked Heath’s third trip to nationals in Dramatic Interpretation. He also entered Prose Interpretation, where he advanced to place among the top 100 competitors in the nation with a humorous reading of “Dear Guy Who Just Made My Burrito.”
Coleman represented Great Bend in Congressional Debate, participating in the House of Representatives chamber. In addition, he cleared to the first elimination round in Impromptu Speaking, and also competed in Extemporaneous Commentary.
Scheideman also served as a delegate in the House of Representatives chamber in Congressional Debate and performed in Poetry Interpretation and Original Spoken Word Poetry. Her selections centered on themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and the difficulty of allowing others to see who we truly are beneath the protective masks we often adopt. Reflecting on her experience at the national tournament, Scheideman said, “Nationals gave me a new perspective on competition, and I believe this knowledge will help me next season.”
Lewis represented Great Bend in Poetry Interpretation, joining students from across the country in one of the tournament's most competitive performance events. She performed The Song of the Mud, a haunting World War I poem by American volunteer nurse Mary Borden. Lewis said the activity has shaped both her outlook and sense of belonging.
“Speech and debate has given me community, sanctuary, and hope,” Lewis said. “Being in this space with individuals who have the same drive and passion as you do is unlike any other clique. Everyone is accepted and doesn’t have to fight for a seat at the table — there was already a placemat set with their name on it. This activity allows you to sit with your successes and failures, wins and losses, and highs and lows. But guess what? All of our experiences are celebrated, no matter the outcome. Speech and debate has given me hope for our future. These kids are the future teachers, politicians, and CEOs, and knowing that makes me believe we can do anything. Our time hasn’t passed; we’re just getting started.”
The trip to Richmond was a time of transition for the Panther coaching staff. The national tournament marked the conclusion of Kim Heath's tenure as head coach of the Panther Speech and Debate Team. After eight years leading the program at Great Bend High School, Heath is stepping down from coaching responsibilities while continuing to teach speech and debate classes at the high school. Pamela Williams, who has served as an assistant coach with the Panthers since 2023, has stepped into the head coaching position. Drawing on her diverse background in theater and speech, Williams is well-positioned to continue the tradition of excellence established by the program.
“Speech and debate has given me the opportunity to work alongside incredible students, families, colleagues, and coaches throughout my career,” Heath said. “Watching students discover their voices, gain confidence, and realize they can compete with anyone in the country has been the greatest reward. I am deeply grateful for the support our community has shown this program. While I am looking forward to remaining in the classroom, I know the team will continue to thrive under Pamela's leadership. She was the natural choice to lead the program into its next chapter.”
In addition to Heath and Williams, assistant coach Thain Bowman also accompanied the team to the national tournament.
Williams shared how attending the national tournament provides students with invaluable experiences beyond competition. “Competing at the National Speech and Debate Tournament gives students the opportunity to challenge themselves against some of the nation's best communicators, meet peers from across the country, and gain confidence in their abilities,” she said. “I am incredibly proud of how these students represented Great Bend High School, our community, and our West Kansas district. Their hard work, dedication, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones made this an unforgettable experience.”
The National Speech and Debate Tournament brings together thousands of students annually to celebrate excellence in communication, critical thinking, and civic engagement.