Living up to its claim of being “Kansas’ Largest Classroom,” this year’s Kansas State Fair saw the first ever High School Forensics Showcase, presented by Sterling College. The event was held on Thursday, Sept. 15, in the Hansen Auditorium on the fairgrounds and was hosted and organized by Sterling College Debate and Forensics. Over 250 audience members were in attendance.

“We are all very pleased with the turnout and response from the students and coaches. This was a great first-time event but we know we can get more students and schools involved which will only help forensics across the state,” said Ken Troyer, debate coach for Sterling College.

Forensics is competitive speaking events which includes different types of speeches and different interpretation events such as poetry, solo acting and duet acting. The State Fair Showcase featured state champions and state finalists from last spring’s championship tournaments. Each school classification (1A – 6A) has their own state championship tournament.

A total of 11 performances were shared during the Showcases’ three sessions, with some performing more than once. Because the Showcase featured state champions from last spring’s championship tournaments, several of the participants had graduated from high school and are in their freshman year at college.  

The new event also drew forensics squads from several schools who did not have a participant in the showcase but who wanted to see the quality and examples of award-winning entries. After each performance, the audience had the chance to ask questions of the performers, making it even more of an educational experience for all.

“We have wanted to do something like this for some years now. It’s great for high school students to be able to see excellent examples of both the material being performed and strong performers themselves. We enjoyed many in attendance including some fairgoers just checking out the performance and the Governor even stopped by,” said Troyer.

Sterling College Debate and Forensics has been ranked as one of the top ten programs in the nation. In addition, the Sterling College team is the only one in the state of Kansas to qualify for both the American Forensics Association Nationals and the National Forensics Association Nationals.  

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.