Arizona teenagers win national Spring Cup Debate Tournament

Mar 14

Eloquence Academy is pleased to announce the results of its 4th Annual Spring Cup Debate Tournament.

The tournament was open to any student, in any country, enrolled in an accredited primary school, secondary school, or debate club. On March 14, 2026, the tournament welcomed nearly a dozen impressive competitors from more than five states. Students competed in teams of two, considering whether the Federal Trade Commission should establish a federal regulatory framework for sports betting. The topic required knowledge of federalism, consumer protection, and regulatory authority.

Each partnership competed in up to eight debate rounds with eight speeches and three cross-examinations per round. Students utilized their previous research and vast knowledge of the topic to craft articulate, powerful ideas. Each and every speech reflected excellence in public speaking, rhetorical skills, critical thinking, and social awareness.

“We are incredibly proud of our participants and the thoughtful yet eager responses they brought to the tournament,” said Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Chief Executive Officer of Eloquence Academy. “We are equally grateful for our volunteers, implementation partners, and donors who helped bring this idea to life. By empowering students to research, understand, and advocate, we are developing the next generation of dynamic leaders and changemakers who can tackle society’s most complex problems head-on.”

During the tournament, all students successfully explored real-world social issues, identified actionable ideas, and considered how public policies can have a measurable impact on the most vulnerable populations. To reinforce the idea that advocacy can translate into action focused on community betterment, Spring Cup doubled as a charitable fundraiser. The Eloquence Charitable Fund pledged $500 and a donation of 5,000 hot meals to Feeding America, a network of 200 foodbanks serving 46 million people nationwide. It was a pleasure to partner with such an impactful organization.

Participants were judged by some of the foremost leaders in the field of public speaking and public policy on a range of criteria, including creativity, the clarity and relevance of their message, ability to incorporate research, and delivery. We extend congratulations to Elina Balint and Anika Chintakuntlawar from BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona for placing first, emerging out of a competitive pool. In addition to Balint and Chintakuntlawar, we recognize the following students:

Runners-up Neil Aneja and Ethan Zheng (Newton North High School in Newton, MA)
Semifinalists William Callahan and Krish Dholabhai (Newton North High School in Newton, MA)
Top Speaker Ethan Zheng (Newton North High School in Newton, MA)
2nd Speaker Anika Chintakuntlawar (BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, AZ)
3rd Speaker Elina Balint (BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, AZ)
4th Speaker Saira Julka (Eloquence Academy)
5th Speaker Neil Aneja (Newton North High School in Newton, MA)

For more information about the tournament, or to inquire about the 2027 edition and future competition(s), please visit eloquenceacademy.org or contact finance@eloquenceacademy.org.

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Eloquence Academy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and 509(a)(2) public charity dedicated to increasing equitable academic debate opportunities for rural and historically underserved students. The world’s largest youth-led nonprofit of its kind, EA offers live debate programs for 2,700+ students and online debate resources for 15,579 students. The Academy’s philanthropic initiative, the Eloquence Charitable Fund, has partnered a national network of 150 charities, schools, and nonprofits; certified 50,000 volunteer hours; and delivered 20,000 products to individuals in need. Ultimately, the Academy has prepared youth across 50 states and 102 countries for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact. Follow EA on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.