The forensics program has had several national champions in various styles of debate, public forum, expository speaking and poetry reading.

[citation needed] From the inception of the school until March 2006, the program was under the direction of the legendary Bud Lathrop.

7 all-time in high school career coaching victories in the United States.

Lathrop his teams to the state playoffs 23 times and won 35 conference championships.

[8] In 1976, Doug Maddox won the individual state championship with a 136 total score (68-66) at Grandview Golf Course in Springfield, Missouri.