One hundred twenty questions, three debates, one essay and one Jeopardy match. This is what is involved in the World Scholar’s Cup, a competition between thousands of the world’s smartest students. Four of those students from attended the final round at Yale University November 13-16

Laura Glawe, Brendan McCann, Emily Barbagallo and Maleeha Coleburn all attended the World Scholar’s Cup Tournament of Champions. Glawe, McCann and Barbagallo made up one team of three, the required team size for World Scholar’s Cup, while Coleburn joined Burke Roberts from Tuscarora and Rebecca Pamel from Nimitz High School in Irving, Texas.

The two teams competed against 1,200 students from 27 countries.

“My favorite part was meeting people from all over the world, like Kenya, and learning about other cultures,” Glawe said.

Teams had to prepare for months before this event. The LHS team debated weekly and did their own multiple choice tests. The team had to also compete in regional finals in order to move on to the Tournament of Champions at Yale.

Coleburn and her team took 12th in the world in the essay section and 7th in the world in the debate section. The entire group who went to Yale was very proud.

The essays are set up such that a statement is given then the contestant responds to the statement, either agreeing or disagreeing. Coleburn’s essay statement was “Assimilation benefits immigrants.” Coleburn disagreed and her essay won 12th overall.

Many students compete but fail to make it to the Tournament of Champions.  The team won the regional competition which catapulted them to the World Scholars Cup.

“It’s an accomplishment just to get there,” said Mr. Seth Roberts the club adviser.

“World Scholar’s Cup is a great opportunity to learn about all sorts of different things, meeting people and traveling,” Glawe said.