Flathead High School’s speech and debate team broke into the top 100 programs in the nation for the 2014-15 school year.

Flathead, which won the Class AA state championship, ranked 92nd in the top 100 list compiled by the National Speech and Debate Association. More than 3,200 member schools were ranked based on competitive performance and participation in service-related activities.

Flathead Head Coach Shannon O’Donnell believes this is the first time Flathead has broken into the top 100.

“Our strong showing at nationals [last June], paired with our state championship last year resulted in an historic season for Flathead forensics,” O’Donnell said.

At nationals, Parker Kouns and Wyatt Dykhuizen placed 11th in the nation in Duo Interpretation, qualifying them to compete at nationals this year, and Wyatt McGillen placed sixth in the nation in Impromptu. Competitors Sarah Ward and Eli Cornell finished in the top 30 in Extemporaneous Commentary and Impromptu respectively.

In addition to the national ranking, the team was also recognized in the association’s prestigious “Societé de 300” placing them among the top 3 percent of schools in the nation based on the number of participating students.

“It’s just a wonderful and exciting surprise,” O’Donnell said.

The speech and debate season kicks off with a tournament Oct. 31 hosted at Flathead High School.