Haden Quinlan, a sophomore at Pinecrest High School, will join other high school students from around the country to debate Social Security and Medicare reform at a leadership and debate camp in Oklahoma from July 12-17.

The students will spend time with retired Army Gen. Tommy Franks, learn from renowned leaders and then debate entitlement reform in a team format.

"We must teach young people from all walks of life how to be leaders, embrace problems and tackle issues head on," Franks said. "They can disagree without being disagreeable. Haden is a great example of what tomorrow's leaders will encompass."

"I Debate: Developing Leaders with General Tommy Franks" is hosted by the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum, the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) and the Academy of Leadership & Liberty at Oklahoma Christian University (OC).

Quinlan, the son of David and Lisa Quinlan, is a member of the Pinecrest debate team.

"Haden is persistent and independent," said Robert Sheard, assistant coach of the Pinecrest debate team. "He has strong communication skills and writes and delivers convincing cases."

In addition to Franks, guest speakers during the July event include Dr. John Goodman, NCPA president and CEO; Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas; Dr. Mike O'Neal, president of OC; Barbara B. Kennelly, member of the Social Security Advisory Board; and Dr. Thomas Saving, NCPA senior fellow and former public trustee of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds.

"Social Security and Medicare spending are on an unsustainable path and reform of these entitlements is one of the most critical issues facing our nation," Goodman said. "We think it's fitting that young Americans from all parts of the country learn about and begin addressing issues such as these, which will dominate their generation."

During the camp, students will be trained in strategic thinking, planning, communication and teamwork. Participants receive practical training in the art of persuasion, gain in-depth knowledge of the issues, gather valuable team experiences and develop relationships with other up-and-coming leaders.