STS Blog

This spring, a group of St. Thomas School students traveled to San Francisco to compete in the World Scholar’s Cup and returned with remarkable results!

Competing against approximately 400 students at the regional event (and among more than 11,000 participants worldwide in April), our three teams represented STS across both the junior (ages 11–14) and senior (ages 14–18) divisions. Two teams competed in the junior division, while one team took on the senior division.

Collectively, our students won nearly 89% of their debates, with the senior team going undefeated against older, highly experienced competitors. Across events, including debate, collaborative writing, Scholar’s Challenge, and Scholar’s Bowl, they earned an impressive 17 gold medals and 14 silver medals.

Beyond the results, what stood out most was the students’ deep engagement and enthusiasm. In the weeks leading up to the event, they dedicated time before school and during their free time to prepare. Kate John, who led the program along with fellow Middle School teacher, Dr. Alpha DeLap, reflected, “The students were truly engaged and interested in learning. Their joy and enthusiasm were palpable.”

The World Scholar’s Cup is designed to be a celebration of learning, emphasizing teamwork, critical thinking, and knowledge across disciplines. That spirit was fully on display in San Francisco. Students were asked to engage with complex ideas, collaborate under pressure, and step into unfamiliar challenges - hallmarks of the kind of edgework that defines deep learning. They responded with both confidence and humility. As Ms. John shared, “They held themselves with such grace, even in the face of challenges like new types of academic competition, opponents much older and experienced than themselves, and competing in a new unfamiliar place.”

Students distinguished themselves not just in their academic achievements, but in the way they carried themselves throughout the competition. “They were kind to those around them, responsible and respectful, and joyful,” Ms. John said, clear reflections of the character and leadership we strive to cultivate in every student. “They were truly great ambassadors and representatives for our school.”

All nine students qualified for the Global Round, earning the opportunity to compete internationally later this year.

We are also proud to share that both Dr. DeLap and Ms. John were recognized for distinguished service on the World Scholar’s Cup Council.

Please join us in celebrating our students and faculty!

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Student Awards & Recognition

Elina A. (7th grade)
Silver Medal – Overall Junior Team
Trophy – 2nd Place Team Writing
Silver Medal – Team Debate
Silver Medal – Team Scholar’s Bowl
Gold Medal – Collaborative Writing
Silver Medal – Debate
Silver Medal – 8th Place, Challenge (History)

Veronika L. (7th grade)
Silver Medal – Overall Junior Team
Trophy – 2nd Place Team Writing
Silver Medal – Team Debate
Silver Medal – Team Scholar’s Bowl
Gold Medal – Collaborative Writing

Alexis A. (6th grade)
Silver Medal – Overall Junior Team
Silver Medal – Overall Scholar
Trophy – 2nd Place Team Writing
Silver Medal – Team Debate
Silver Medal – Team Scholar’s Bowl
Gold Medal – 6th Place Debater
Gold Medal – Collaborative Writing

Vyan G. (6th grade)
Gold Medal – 7th Place Overall Scholar
Gold Medal – Team Debate
Gold Medal – 3rd Place Debater
Gold Medal – 7th Place Collaborative Writing
Silver Medal – 9th Place, Challenge (History)

Camden P. (6th grade)
Gold Medal – Team Debate

Shreya B. (6th grade)
Gold Medal – Team Debate
Silver Medal – Collaborative Writing
Silver Medal – Debate

Talia A. (8th grade)
Gold Medal – Overall Senior Team
Silver Medal – Overall Scholar
Gold Medal – Team Scholar’s Bowl
Silver Medal – Team Debate
Gold Medal – Collaborative Writing
Gold Medal – Debate
Gold Medal – 2nd Place, Challenge (Science & Technology)
Silver Medal – 7th Place, Challenge (Special Area)
Silver Medal – 10th Place, Challenge (Art & Music)

Sophia S. (8th grade)
Gold Medal – Overall Senior Team
Gold Medal – 5th Place Barely Old Scholar
Gold Medal – Team Scholar’s Bowl
Silver Medal – Team Debate
Gold Medal – Collaborative Writing

Esha A. (8th grade)
Gold Medal – Overall Senior Team
Gold Medal – 3rd Place Barely Old Scholar
Gold Medal – Team Scholar’s Bowl
Silver Medal – Team Debate
Silver Medal – Debate