School type Public, High School School district USD 428 CEEB code 171158 | School board Board Website Superintendent Brad Reed Principal Tim Friess | |
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Great Bend High School is a public high school located in Great Bend, Kansas, serving students in grades 9-12. The school is in the Unified School District 428. The athletic teams are known as the Panthers and all athletic programs compete in the 5A division according to the KSHSAA.
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History
Great Bend High School was established early in the 20th century in order to help educate the growing population of Great Bend, Kansas. Shortly after the school was founded, the Panther was chosen as the official school mascot and students voted to implement red and black as the school colors. As the years progressed, Great Bend established many programs, both athletic and non-athletic.
Extracurricular activities
The school is a member of the Kansas State High School Activities Association and is classified as a 5A school, the second-largest division in Kansas. Throughout the school's history, the Panthers have won several state championships and have produced Division I, Division II, and Division III athletics. The football games are played at Great Bend High School Memorial Stadium. Soccer games are played at the Jean Cavanaugh Soccer Complex.
Basketball
During the years of 2005 and 2006, Great Bend High School won two state championships in basketball. Jeff Langrehr was the first basketball coach in Great Bend High School history to help the team win back-to-back state championships. The girls basketball team was the state runner-up in 2009.
Danceline
Great Bend High School's danceline performs new dances at football and basketball games during halftime. The 'Panther' Danceline consists of 18 dancers ranging from freshmen to seniors.
Madrigals
Great Bend High School's select ensemble singing group is known as The Madrigal Pop Singers. The group is composed of students in the junior and senior classes.
Great Bend High School Marching Band
The Great Bend High School Marching Band is under the direction of Mark DeWald. The band averages between 150 and 200 students every year. The band won1 ratings in the Hutchinson, Kansas State Parade, WAC Marching Festival in Garden City, Kansas, and High Plains Marching Festival at Fort Hays State University in 2005 and 2006. During Labor Day, the band dedicates its time to perform a parade in Hoisington, Kansas, where they are met with other performers. Ronald D. Mink was the first Band Director to start the American Heritage Concerts era and the first to take the band to major national competitions every four years.