HHS debate and forensics program rank nationally

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —  You always hear of national rankings for sports teams, but Hutchinson High School can claim one of the best rankings for an academic activity. The Hutchinson High School debate and forensics program has been named one of the top 100 schools nationally by the National Speech & Debate Association.

Hutchinson High School ranked 61^st out of more than 3,000 schools nationwide in the organization, which until this year was known as the National Forensics League. Members earn points and degrees through the honor society based on competitive and service-related activities, ranging from the degree of merit with 25 points to the degree of premier distinction with 1,500 or more points.

In addition to the group honor, HHS had four students—two graduates from 2013-14 and two seniors for the 2014-15 school year—named as National Speech & Debate Association All Americans for 2013-14. HHS graduate Brett Krambeer was 40^th nationally on the All-American list for 2013-14 with 2,829 points. HHS senior LaKiyah Sain was 64^th nationally last year with 2,645 points. Salthawk graduate Dayton Lamunyon was 110^th at 2,411 points. HHS senior Syndi Huxman was 146^th at 2,251 points.

The top 150 students each year are named All Americans out of the more than 130,000 students and coaches in the organization.