On March 29, 1900, Waterville High School hosted a debate between their debaters and Skowhegan High School's. The topic up for debate was, "Resolved: 'That the attitude of the present administration in regard to the Philippines is conducive to the best interests of the American people.'"

The Chairman of the Waterville Board of Education chaired the debate and it was judged by Colby College President Nathaniel Butler, Forrest Goodwin, a lawyer from Skowhegan, and Professor Curtis M. Geer of Bates College. Waterville argued the affirmative position and Skowhegan took the negative side. Public speaking events like this were a common part of the high school experience at the time.