First-Class Results at the Philhistorian

Website Updates

We've added a new page: why does public speaking matter? A lot of new families may see some value in participating in debate but they don't know the arguments for why they should prioritize perfecting their communication skills. We've compiled compelling evidence concerning the benefits of competitive public speaking for both college admissions and later-life careers.

This week's Student Spotlight goes to Emily W. “The most valuable things [I’ve gained] from Speech and Debate are the community, the environment, and the network that I’ve been able to create.” Emily is an eight-time National Speech and Debate Association middle school finalist and a California High School Speech Association middle school state champion! Now in high school, she is the co-founder of her school speech and debate team. In addition to being a speech champion, she is a published author! We're thrilled to have Emily as a member of the ModernBrain Nationals Team. 

Tournament Updates

We kept up our streak at the Ronald Reagan Western Qualifier.

• Annie J. qualified for the national championship this summer. This marks the third year in a row we've sent students to the final round of the Great Communicator Debate Series, a competition which prioritizes rhetoric, storytelling, and real-world communication skills.

We proved our mettle in Model United Nations.

• Coach John Paul coached a Best Delegate award recipient at the National High School Model United Nations.

We won more championships and top speaker awards at the Philhistorian competition, a tournament which featured students from 11 states, than the next three best teams combined.

• Middle School SPAR:  Luna took 1st. William took 7th.
• Middle School Congress (5th-6th): Jeremy L. took 1st.
• Middle School Congress (7th-8th): Celine C. took 1st. Mira J. took 6th.
• High School Impromptu: Meera took 1st. Navya took 3rd.
• High School Oratory: Luna took 1st. Meera took 2nd.
• Middle School Lincoln-Douglas: Jolynn C. took 1st. Ethan Y. and Ulysses H. made semifinals. Amy J. made quarterfinals. Justin W. made octofinals.
  • Joylnn was the Top Speaker. Ulysses was 2nd Speaker. Amy was 3rd Speaker. Justin W. was 10th.
• Middle School Policy (Open): Russell Q. and Chenyue Z. took 1st Place. Audrey H. and Iva L. took 2nd Place. Mason K. and Aiden K. took 4th Place. Adam L. and Leo Z. took 5th Place. Ian X. and Braden Y. took 6th Place.
  
  • Russell Q. was the Top Speaker. Chenyue was 2nd Speaker. Braden was 3rd Speaker. Mason was 6th Speaker. Aiden was 7th Speaker. Audrey was 9th. 
• Middle School Policy (Packet): Giovanna C. and Hans C. took 4th place.
  Middle School Public Forum: Jeevpreet A. and Shiwen H. made semifinals. Ethan H./Eric Z. and Aryan S./Jasmine S. made quarterfinals.
  • Isabella H. was the 6th Speaker. Ethan H. was 10th.

Our summer courses (in-person and online) are up! You can sign up under CLASSES at the top of this page.