Sterling College Debate and Forensics teams hosted two events at the Kansas State Fair this year. This was the 10th annual Forensics Showcase which was held Thursday, September 11, and for the third year, Sterling College presented the debate exhibition, which was two days before on Tuesday, September 9. 

Over 300 Students from 13 Kansas high schools attended the Debates Tuesday which featured students from McPherson High School, Halstead High School and Topeka West High School versus Topeka High Schools debating this year’s resolution. The exhibition was not judged, and winners were not declared. The event acted as a preview of the year to come.  

Another 200 students from 12 high schools attended the Forensics Showcase event Thursday. Some brought entire forensics teams and classes and others a few students. “This is a unique event which gives everyone a chance to see a variety of quality forensics pieces and performances from across the state and to see the level of work being done at all levels from 1A through 5A,” said Sterling College Arts Director Dennis Dutton.

Students who had medaled at the State Forensics Championship Tournaments last May were invited to bring their award-winning performances to the State Fair audience. Students performed oration and extemporaneous speeches, pieces of prose and poetry as well as interpretive events like humorous solo and duet acting. While some topics and pieces were dramatic and more serious in nature, others were comic and lighthearted. 

“It was impressive to see so many strong performances,” said Sterling College Forensics Coach Ken Troyer who hosted the event. “Students from small 1A schools like Jetmore Hodgeman County High School to large 5A schools like Maize South participated in the Showcase this year. There was a terrific variety, and all the students were talented and could certainly continue performing and competing at the collegiate level.”

As the sponsor of the event Sterling College’s Forensics and Debate team was highlighted as having a recent national champion novice debater and being consistently named to the top 25 teams nationally. Coach Troyer encouraged all participants and students in the audience to consider participating in debate and forensics at the college level, noting that scholarships in those activities are comparable with athletic scholarships.