Maryland teenagers win national Fall Cup Debate Tournament
c/o Eloquence Academy
Eloquence Academy is pleased to announce the results of its inaugural Fall 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 October 18, 2025, the tournament welcomed over 30 impressive competitors from more than four states and two countries. Students competed in teams of two on the timely topic of whether the United Kingdom should rejoin the European Union, considering past precedent as well as the economic, environmental, and legal implications.
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.”
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 Allison Lee, Claire Lee, Joy Tsai, and Kyle Wang from Potomac Debate Academy in Rockville, Maryland for placing first, emerging out of a competitive pool. Ilan Rabinovich and Ariel Teller from Success Academy Ozone Park in South Ozone Park, New York won first place in the middle school division.
In addition to Lee, Lee, Rabhinovich, Teller, Tsai, and Wang, we recognize the following students:
High School Public Forum
Top Speaker Kyle Wang (Potomac Debate Academy in Rockville, Maryland)
2nd Speaker Joy Tsai (Potomac Debate Academy in Rockville, Maryland)
3rd Speaker Claire Lee (Potomac Debate Academy in Rockville, Maryland)
4th Speaker Allison Lee (Potomac Debate Academy in Rockville, Maryland)
5th Speaker Anette Owusu (Success Academy Bronx in Bronx, NY)
Middle School Public Forum
Runners-up Khidir Ibrahim and Justin Kounga (Success Academy Harlem East in New York, NY)
Top Speaker George Zhao (BC Academy in Vancouver, Canada)
2nd Speaker Rohin Shah (Vallabh Vidya Mandir in Houston, Texas)
3rd Speaker Leo Wong (BC Academy in Vancouver, Canada)
4th Speaker Ariel Teller (Success Academy Ozone Park in South Ozone Park, NY)
5th Speaker Justin Kounga (Success Academy Harlem East in New York, NY)
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 2,500+ students across 35 states and 17 countries. Ultimately, EA aims to prepare youth for college readiness, career engagement, and community impact through the transferable skills gained from debate. Follow EA on Instagram and YouTube at @eloquenceacademy.
