Sierra High School sophomores Miles Lima, Colin Nguyen, and Kaushik Chamchani represented Manteca Unified School District at the 2024 World Scholar’s Cup Tournament of Champions.

The competition took place last month at Yale University.

The team earned their spot at Yale by placing 7th in the Senior Division at the global round in Stockholm, Sweden earlier this year. 

Competing against the top 3% of teams worldwide, the Tournament of Champions tested their skills in debate, collaborative writing, and knowledge-based challenges across six disciplines under the theme Reimagining the Present.

 These six disciplines – Special Area, History, Social Studies, Science & Technology, Art & Music, and Literature & Media – encourage students to connect themes across academic fields.

Preparation was intense, involving months of study and teamwork. 

“It’s not just about competition; it’s about creating connections with others who share a passion for learning.” said Lima, the founder of Sierra High’s World Scholar’s Cup program.

For Chamchani, joining the team broadened his educational aspirations in unexpected ways. 

Yale University had never been on his radar, but participating in the Tournament of Champions on its campus gave him a unique opportunity to explore the collegiate environment firsthand. 

Beyond academics and networking, the experience inspired him to think about his future in new ways. “Programs like this help students realize their potential and open doors to opportunities they might not have considered,” Chamchani shared.

Sierra High’s supportive academic culture played a crucial role in the team’s success. 

“Our school fosters a positive attitude and high standards, which set us apart,” said Nguyen. 

With over 50 members in the school’s program, the team exemplifies collaboration and mentorship, inspiring others to pursue academic excellence. 

The team has seen significant growth just this past year, with student participation more than doubling from the previous year.

As the 2024 season concludes, the team looks forward to the 2025 regional competition in San Rafael, where the entire Sierra High World Scholar’s Cup program can participate.