Mohatmas Ghandi

Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress

Gardner Ackly, former presidential advisor

The skills I developed in debate were of inestimable value in my later graduate education, in my training and research, in my government service. (Klopf, p. 7)

Jerry M. Anderson, President of Ball State University

My speech and debate experience and training was the most important single educational experience of my life. (Hunt, p. 15)

Representative Charles E. Bennet of Florida

Debate not only improves one's ability to speak publicly but improves the thinking process of the debate. (Huseman and Goodman, p. 226)

Senator David Boren of Oklahoma

No aspects of my education was more useful in preparing me to me these responsibilities than my training in speech and debate. (Hunt, p. 14)

Senator Frank Church of Idaho

As a former debater I know of the tremendous benefits which can be delved from the process of educating oneself to take part in discussions of vital national issues. (Huseman and Gordon, p. 226)

Senator Dick Clark of Iowa

The principal value of debate lies in the development of logical thought processes, and the ability to articulate your positions publicly. (Huseman and Goodman p. 226)

Compiled by Susan Brown of Wausau West High School.