Frenship High School’s Speech and Debate program celebrates a series of impressive accomplishments. After a successful NSDA District Tournament Senior Drasti Patel won a spot to compete in the National Tournament in Informative Speaking. Coach Heather Byars was honored as the Tall Cotton District Coach of the Year, a recognition she received with heartfelt gratitude after being nominated by her students.  

Coach Byars wants to commend all Frenship Speech and Debate students who competed in the District Tournament and recognize their dedication and success throughout the competition. 

“We had 6 Students compete in various events at the NSDA District Tournament this past weekend. Everyone had some of their best rounds of the year,” said Coach Byars. “Rebekka Berryhill coached Saif Bernstein and Thomas Wylie into out rounds, this means that they continued to compete past the preliminary rounds of debate, in Policy Debate. This is the first time in many years that we have had debaters do so well at the district tournament.”   

Patel, who will be representing Frenship at the national level, chose to talk about the evolving perception of a healthy body in the music industry. 

“Drasti Patel won a spot to compete in the National Tournament in Informative Speaking. This is an event where a student selects a topic to educate their audience and shed light on a subject,” said Coach Byars. “They use visual aids and props to enhance and explain their topic. Drasti's presentation focuses on the changing look of a healthy body in the music industry.” 

Patel’s achievement highlights her dedication to research, presentation skills, and ability to engage audiences with thought-provoking topics. 

At the District Competition Coach Byars was pleasantly surprised when she was announced as the District Coach of the Year. Patel helped write a nomination letter for Byars about the great impact she has made on her life.  

"Being nominated by one of your students, for them to take the time not only think of you but also write a letter to support you, is one of the highest honors," said Coach Byars. “I had a hard time reading it through the tears. Teachers often wonder if we are making any difference, if our students are listening and paying attention, so to see in the letter that what I have done has made a difference is just so humbling and encouraging.” 

In Patel’s nomination letter she highlights Coach Byars’ unwavering support and belief in her potential.  

“She saw something in me that I had yet to recognize in myself—a passion for storytelling, for performance, for speech. She made it her mission to help me turn that spark into a flame,” said Patel. 

Patel credits much of her success to the guidance and encouragement of Coach Byars, whose mentorship helped her rediscover her passion for speech and debate. 

“Every morning, I would be in her classroom, practicing and perfecting my pieces, chasing that feeling of passion that Speech and Debate gave me—a feeling I had once lost in the transition to high school. But what I didn’t know at the time was that Speech and Debate is about more than just performing well—it’s about resilience, about pushing forward even when things feel impossible. And Mrs. Byars exemplified that resilience,” said Patel.  

Patel wrapped up her nomination letter by sharing that Coach Byars is truly the reason she has grown into the confident and accomplished speaker she is today. 

“Mrs. Byars is more than a coach—she is the beating heart of our team, the reason I found my voice, and the person who has shaped me into who I am today. She was truly right that I had something in me, because I have gone to State and Regionals multiple times and now am going to study at the best school in Texas and practice Debate there,” said Patel.

As Patel prepares for the national stage, Byars’ encouragement continues to guide her. 

 “My hope is that she would have fun and soak up the experience of competing with students from all over the world is what matters most," said Byars. "Of course, I want her to advance and bring home a trophy, but I truly believe that just the act of competing and doing your best is winning.” 

Patel’s success at the district level is not just a personal achievement, but also a reflection of the supportive, empowering environment created by Coach Byars and the entire Speech and Debate team.  

Frenship is excited to cheer Drasti Patel on at the national level in Des Moines, Iowa this summer. Congratulations, Frenship Speech and Debate!