Continuing her streak of success, Sterling College junior Dara Quastad of Inman, Kansas, qualified for the American Forensics Association National Tournament by placing fourth in persuasive speaking at the AFA District 3 Qualifying Tournament on March 4. This is the 11th consecutive year in a row that Sterling College will be represented at the AFA National Tournament.

“Dara delivers her speech with such passion and emotion; you can tell that she is truly invested in making our communities a safer place for all. Qualifying for Nationals during your first year of competition is no easy feat when you’re up against competitors who have been doing this activity for several years. Her hard work and perseverance has really paid off, and we are so proud of her!” said Jessica Chaney, assistant coach for Sterling College Debate and Forensics. Chaney accompanied Quastad to the district tournament.

Only three schools in Kansas qualified for the national forensics tournament: Bethel College, Kansas State University and Sterling College. The AFA National Tournament will be held at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, April 1-3.

"It's exciting to have qualified! I'm looking forward to competing –  but most importantly to get the experience of attending AFA Nationals and seeing other students compete,” said Quastad.

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.