Sierra High Scholars Put Manteca on the Map at the

World Scholar’s Cup Tournament of Champions

Sierra High School sophomores Miles Lima, Colin Nguyen, and Kaushik Chamchani represented Manteca Unified School District (MUSD) with distinction at the 2024 World Scholar’s Cup Tournament of Champions, held at Yale University in November 2024.

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

For Kaushik, 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,” he 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 Colin. 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. MUSD celebrates their achievements as a shining example of perseverance, teamwork, and the power of education.