09/01/2026
Independence High School Debate & Forensics Team Announces 2026–27 Season Roster
INDEPENDENCE, KS - The Independence High School Debate & Forensics Team is excited to begin the 2026–27 competitive season with a team of 13 students representing Independence High School.
Following the graduation of two veteran team members, the Bulldogs enter the new season with an exciting mix of returning experience and a large group of new competitors. With the majority of this year's team competing in their first year of high school debate, the season will provide valuable opportunities for students to develop their research, public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills.
The team's returning senior leader is Peyton Connors. Juniors Nolan Carnes, Sophie Ballew, and Isabella Martinez also return to the team with previous debate experience. This year's novice competitors include sophomores Andres Andres and Katie Mah, along with freshmen Nellie Hart, Kinsley Johnson, Abbigail Kearns, December Malone, Hadley Moley, JoAnna Munoz, and Rex Reynolds.
This year's policy debate resolution, selected by the National Federation of High Schools, asks students to consider a significant issue facing the United States:
“Resolved: The United States federal government should establish national health insurance in the United States.”
Throughout the season, students will research the current American health insurance system, examine arguments for and against national health insurance, and develop and defend their own policy proposals. The topic provides students with an opportunity to explore a complex real-world issue while developing skills in research, communication, advocacy, and critical thinking.
The Bulldogs will begin the season with the Novice Jamboree in Pittsburg on September 19. The team's first official competition of the season will be on October 3 in Pittsburg, Kansas.
“We are especially excited about this group because there is so much room for growth,” said Coach Halle Connors. “With so many students new to competitive debate, this season is going to be about learning, gaining experience, and building a strong foundation for the future of the program. We are looking forward to watching these students find their voices, develop their confidence, and grow throughout the season.”
The Independence Debate & Forensics Team is supported through community partnerships and sponsorships. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the team for the 2026–27 season are encouraged to contact Coach Connors at [email protected]. Community support helps provide students with opportunities to travel, compete, and participate in tournaments throughout the season.
Community members can also follow the team's season, tournament results, accomplishments, and other news on Facebook at Independence Debate and Forensics.
The Bulldogs are looking forward to an exciting new season and to representing Independence High School and the Independence community throughout the 2026–27 debate season.
