Excelsior Springs High School’s Competitive Acting, Speech, and Debate Team has once again proven its dominance, securing the 2025 Conference Title in both Individual Events and Overall Conference Championship. This marks the sixth consecutive year the program has brought home top honors, a testament to the hard work and dedication of its students and coaches.
Several students achieved outstanding individual performances, earning Conference Titles and All-Conference Team honors in their respective events:
Conference Champions and All-Conference Team Members:
- Audrey Ishmael – 1st Place, Dramatic Interpretation
- Kate Houck – 1st Place, Dramatic Interpretation
- Carter Borchert – 1st Place, Humorous Interpretation
- Bridget McCartney – 2nd Place, Humorous Interpretation
- Kaitlin Mansell – 2nd Place, Oration
- Josh Goodman – 1st Place, Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking
- Audrey Ishmael & Kate Houck – 1st Place, Duo Interpretation
- Natalee Hardesty & Kaitlin Mansell – 2nd Place, Duo Interpretation
- Evie Selby – 2nd Place, Storytelling
- Rebecca McDade – 1st Place, Program of Oral Interpretation
- Chloe O’Connor – 2nd Place, Lincoln-Douglas Debate
- Nate Dunker & Hailey McDade – 2nd Place, Public Forum Debate
Their success at the conference is just the latest in a season filled with victories. In January, the team took first place in sweepstakes at Warrensburg High School, with an impressive 18 entries advancing to the final rounds. December saw Audrey Ishmael and Emily Jack representing Excelsior Springs at a tournament in Independence, where Ishmael placed first in Dramatic Interpretation out of 51 competitors and Jack finished fifth in Oration among 49 entries. The season kicked off strong in October at Park Hill, where team members advanced in Prose, Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking, Radio, Public Forum, and Student Congress.
For Speech and Debate Coach Jeff Haney, the team’s achievements go beyond trophies and titles.
“So proud of their hard work, determination, and pure goodness! I am blessed to have the opportunity to coach these amazing young adults,” Haney said. He also expressed gratitude to assistant coaches Julie Nelson and Julie Houck, whose guidance has helped shape the team’s continued success.
Photos Jeff Haney
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