From six to sixty-six: Benton’s speech and debate team is becoming a powerhouse

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — In a school where banners often belonged to football or basketball, a different kind of dynasty is quietly being built. It’s not with helmets or hoops but with voices, vulnerability, and a whole lot of heart.

What began as six students and one relentless coach has grown into Benton High School’s nationally recognized speech and debate team, now 66 members strong. Armed with state titles, national qualifications, and life-changing confidence, the team continues to raise the bar each season.

“It used to be a running joke that, ‘Hey, find the strange kids who are off in the corner, not doing anything, and get them to come in,’” head coach Dr. Michael Shane Heard said. “That moves beyond that; these are the brightest and the best kids in the country.”

Heard wanted to lead Benton’s program and has been the architect of this unexpected rise. Alongside assistant coaches Chris Thomas, a former national champion, and Emily Koehler, a first-year coach specializing in working with novices and presentations, Heard has turned what was once an afterthought into one of the school’s rising teams.

This year alone, Benton qualified 10 students for the MSHSAA State Tournament, five for the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions, and three for the NSDA National Tournament. Four Benton students earned the prestigious NSDA Academic All-American honor, a title awarded to just 1% of high school competitors nationwide.

However, the impact of this program can’t be measured in medals alone.

“I don't think I'd trade it for the world,” sophomore Banker Wahlert said. “I get to spend every day working with literally the most talented, creative, funny, kind, caring people in the world.” 

Speech and debate is often misunderstood, grouped with podiums and rapid-fire arguments. In reality, it’s more like track and field: one umbrella, many events. From humorous interpretation to original oratory, the format allows students to find their niche, develop their voice, and grow as individuals.

“It has definitely brought me more confidence, and I believe that's a strong skill that you need in life because before, people are scared to even just walk up and ask a question, and we shouldn't be afraid to do that in life,” senior Preslie Todd said.”I definitely believe that speech and debate has brought more confidence.”

Benton’s team isn’t built on popularity, it’s built on passion. Students who once felt like outsiders now stand on stages with confidence. Coaches who took a chance on these kids now witness leaders, artists, and scholars emerging.

And for some, like sophomore Savannah Royer, the transformation has been life-changing.

“I did not talk to anyone; I was a very quiet kid,” Royer said. “You learn so much that you have more things to talk about, honestly.”

Seniors Max Pasquarella and Paige Hawkins were among the original six members who helped relaunch Benton’s program. Now, as seasoned competitors and duo partners, they’ve played a pivotal role in helping the team grow from an experiment into a thriving family.

While Pasquarella has helped mentor the young kids, it’s Hawkins who took a step back and look at the bigger picture of the team, and realized they’re capturing accolades most would not be able to reach.

“Being able to watch the community grow from last year to this year, it's crazy,” Hawkins said. “This community has been able to support each other and push each other to do things that most students at Benton wouldn't ever get to do.”

For the coaching staff, it’s not just about scripts and arguments. It’s about watching students step outside their comfort zones and into their power.

“The speech side really lets their creativity flow,” Koehler said. “And I am just amazed every single day at how much effort and heart they put into it.”

In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices or flashiest highlights, Benton’s speech and debate team stands as proof that thinkers, performers, researchers, and storytellers have just as much to offer.

“It’s because of all these kids and how awesome they are, what they do… and my God, we laugh,” Heard said. “There’s always some story. Always something, and that’s what I love.”