214@100: The art of the debate

Hersey Debate was founded to teach students to be critical thinkers and prepare them for college and careers.

Coach John Stanislaw says, "Debate is the most useful education activity that you can do."

Former Coach Dennis McSherry has many memories from debate's earliest years. "My memories of early debate at Hersey is marked by how long and grueling each contest lasted," McSherry said. "Students would often not get home until 11 p.m. on Saturday night."

The debate team has qualified for the state championships many times and won first place in 1987, when the type of speaking was called "policy debate."

The team now participates in a type called "congressional debate," and captured the state title in that category in 2006 and 2014.

Hersey continues to offer debate, McSherry says, because "debaters learn skills that will last a lifetime, like public speaking, current events, argument, teamwork and socialization."

• 214@100 is a celebration of District 214's centennial; 100 people, places, things and events that have shaped its unique history. To contribute ideas, email us at district 214@dailyherald.com.