An Independence High School student earns a top honor from the National Speech & Debate Association Honor Society.

Matthias Coltrane has achieved the degree rank of Premier Distinction from the national speech organization. In order to achieve the rank, students must earn 1,500 points through their participation in speech and debate competitions, community service, and leadership activities. Less than 3% of N-S-D-A members earn this distinction before graduating from high school. The milestone recognizes the many hours Coltrane has spent preparing, practicing, and competing at the high school level.

Coltrane is a senior at Independence High School and he will be honored with red and silver honor cords at graduation in May.