Eloquence Academy is pleased to announce the results of is pleased to announce the results of its inaugural International Youth Online Law Competition, co-hosted by IY-Law and Equitrial.

The competition was open to any student, in any country, enrolled in an accredited primary school or secondary school. Students in academic gap years or semesters were also eligible to participate. From July 28, 2024 through July 29, 2024, the competition welcomed over 50 impressive competitors from more than ten countries, including Georgia, India, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan.

The competition followed the structure of a high school mock trial competition. Participants were assigned either the prosecution or defense, with cases ranging from “The Federal Government vs. Titan Energy Resources Inc.” to “The City vs. Modern Construction LLC.” In teams of three to five, they interviewed witnesses, delivered opening statements and closing summations, and dissected evidence from case briefs to support their side.

“We are incredibly proud of our participants and the thoughtful yet eager responses they brought to the competition,” 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.”

Participants were judged by some of the foremost leaders in the field of public speaking and public policy. We extend congratulations to Michael Hoe-Knudsen, Aiden Jung, and Faythe Kim from Hong Kong for placing first, emerging out of a competitive pool. In addition to Hoe-Knudsen, Jung, and Kim, we recognize the following students:

Finalists Ethan Foss, Mihir Girish Kamarth, Zeynep Rana Ozbek, and Anushka Sapru
Semifinalists Shaurya Gupta, Ahaan Pardesi, Zen Saluja, and Ronit Sengupta
Semifinalists Amarnath Bhaskar Salil, Zhyran Ishwar Shaji, Suhanee Soni, and Zoraiz Al Raz
Top Advocate Michael Hoe-Knudsen
Top Opening Speaker Faythe Kim
Top Closing Speaker Ethan Foss
Outstanding Advocate Aiden Jung
Young Advocate Estelle Lee

For more information about the competition, or to inquire about the 2025 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.

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