Pinecrest junior Haden Quinlan brought home top honors from this summer's "iDebate with Gen. Tommy Franks" program held at Oklahoma Christian University.

Chosen to represent North Carolina at the all-expense paid debate program, Quinlan paired with Allison Zwarycz of Houston High School, Houston, Minn., to claim the title match at the week's conclusion.

Debating "Resolved: The United States federal government should privatize elderly entitlements," Quinlan and Zwarycz met competition from the 46 other state and international representatives in the weeklong program.

Along the way, students were treated to commentaries from numerous national speakers, including former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Oklahoma State Senator Todd Lamb, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Michelle Smith and former U.S. representative from Connecticut, Barbara B. Kennelly. Nationally syndicated newsman Mike Gallagher served as moderator for the final debate.

iDebate is a yearly program held each summer on the campus of Oklahoma Christian University. The program works to develop young leaders of character who are well informed about important issues facing our nation.

Students are trained in strategic thinking, planning, communication, teamwork and persuasion. Throughout the program, students are taught to practice their new skills through debate. They also receive practical training in the art of persuasion, gain in-depth knowledge of various public issues, gather valuable team experiences and develop relationships with other up-and-coming leaders.

The winners each received $2,500 scholarships to be used at colleges of their choice.

Selected as Debate Captain for the 2009-2010 season, Quinlan will see action on the Pinecrest Varsity Debate Team this year, participating in Varsity Lincoln-Douglas debate. He attended the University of Kentucky Summer Debate Institute in July 2009, being named champion of the in-camp tournament hosted by the program.

Quinlan also was selected for the Elite Sixteen Vassar College Round Robin tournament in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., which was scheduled for Sept. 21. He will also represent Pinecrest at the Bronx School of Science and Math National Invitational in October.

Quinlan is the son of Lisa and David Quinlan, of Seven Lakes.