Colorado teenagers win national Spring Cup Debate Tournament
c/o Eloquence Academy
Eloquence Academy is pleased to announce the results of its 3rd 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. From March 15, 2025 through March 16, 2025, the tournament welcomed over 60 impressive competitors from two countries and eight states. Students competed in teams of two on the timely topic of whether the United States should accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, considering the legal implications, international relations, human rights, and the broader role of the United States in global governance.
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, Executive Director 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.”
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 Tanush Shekhar and Owen Widmar from Peak to Peak Charter in Lafayette, Colorado for placing first, emerging out of a competitive pool. Gregory Sharifov and Adelina Elliott from the Potomac Debate Academy in Rockville, Maryland won first place in the middle school division.
In addition to Elliott, Sharifov, Shekhar, and Widmar, we recognize the following students:
High School Public Forum
Runners-up Neil Aneja and Ethan Zheng (Newton North High School in Newton, MA)
Semifinalists Arnav Nemade and Vir Sanghavi (Pinehurst Preparatory Academy in Orlando, FL)
Semifinalists Crystal Chen and Jessica Ma (Golden State Academy in Fremont, CA)
Top Speaker Neil Aneja (Newton North High School in Newton, MA)
2nd Speaker Ethan Zheng (Newton North High School in Newton, MA)
3rd Speaker Jingxuan Liang (BIE Independent in Boston, MA)
Middle School Public Forum
Runner-up Shyam Muhunthan (American Heritage Broward in Plantation, FL)
Semifinalists Damodar Kriplani and Alexander Sieg (Potomac Debate Academy in Rockville, MD)
Semifinalists Akhil Puvvada and Stevenson Tang (Potomac Debate Academy in Rockville, MD)
Top Speaker Adelina Elliot (Potomac Debate Academy in Rockville, MD)
2nd Speaker Shyam Muhunthan (Potomac Debate Academy in Rockville, MD)
3rd Speaker Allyssa Ng (Golden State Academy in Fremont, CA)
For more information about the tournament, or to inquire about the 2026 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 Academy offers debate classes, summer camps, workshops, tournaments, in-school programs, and online resources for 2,200+ students across 35 states and 15 countries. Ultimately, EA aims to prepare youth for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact through the transferable skills gained from debate.
