(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District-KS) announced today the Kansas City Kansas Community College’s debate team will be honored with highway signs for winning the Community College National Debate Championship for the second year in a row.

“In just their third year of existence, the KCKCC program has risen to a level of national prominence, even defeating a number of teams representing four year institutions,” Moore said. “These students have worked hard, and I believe this is a wonderful way to honor their achievements.”

Moore requested the signs from the Kansas Department of Transportation, which agreed to add two signs directly below the existing guide signs for KCKCC on eastbound and westbound I-70 at Turner Diagonal (Exit 415).

“Winning two years in a row is no easy task,” said Darren Elliott, KCKCC debate coach. “I’m pleased they will be honored as the national champions they are.”

Elliott was a member of Emporia State University’s 1993 national champion debate team. Signs commemorating that national championship – as well as the national debate title won by Kansas State University – currently hang on Kansas highways.

“The 2005 KCKCC team won with an almost entirely new team -- just two sophomore returnees from last year’s 2004 national champion team,” Moore said. “With all five freshmen returning next year, I look forward to the KCKCC debate team winning three in a row.”

The signs are expected to be installed in one to two months. Plans for an unveiling ceremony will be forthcoming.

“This is an outstanding achievement,” said Deb Miller, Kansas Secretary of Transportation. “KDOT recognizes the significance of this and all academic and athletic national championships by installing supplemental signs on existing guide signs on the State Highway System.”

Members of KCKCC’s 2005 national championship debate team:

John Bretthauer, Tonganoxie Peter Lawson, Leavenworth Clay Crockett, Emporia Garrett Tuck, Kansas City, Mo Ashley-Michelle Papon, Overland Park Laura Koslowsky, Overland Park

Head coach: Darren Elliott, Olathe
Volunteer assistant coaches: Skippy Flinn, Kansas City, MO, and Adrian Self, Topeka