This season’s BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China (BIBS • C) Speech & Debate Championships marked a major milestone for our network, one that reflects not only competitive excellence, but the strength and growth of oracy education across all our campuses.
All Participating Campuses Reached Finals
For the first time in BIBS • C history, all campuses were represented in the championship final rounds. This achievement speaks volumes. Our newest campuses are rapidly closing the experience gap and emerging as serious contenders, while our established programs continue to set a high bar, modeling mentorship and team culture. This network-wide presence in finals demonstrates that high-level speech and debate is not concentrated on just a few campuses; it is a shared strength across our entire organization.
A Record-Breaking Season
While this is our Fourth Annual Championship Tournament, BIBS • C has hosted network-wide speech and debate events for the past five years. In that time, the program has experienced remarkable growth as new schools join our network, existing teams deepen their bench, and more students age into the high school division.
This year, more than 1,000 students across the network competed in BIBS • C tournaments, with our regular season tournaments averaging 479 competitors. This level of participation underscores that speech and debate is now a core part of the student experience at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China. Over the past five years, average tournament participation has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 40%, reflecting both expanding access and rising student demand.
Middle School S&D Student of the Year Christopher N. – BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan
Christopher N., exemplifies the best of what this program can inspire. He competes across multiple events and tournaments, treats feedback as an opportunity, revising, refining, and preparing with exceptional resilience and maturity. Pivotally, Christopher acts as a quiet leader in the classroom: mentoring younger debaters, modeling preparation strategies, and encouraging peers to step into challenging events.
His coach describes him as a “budding team captain” who leads not by title, but by example, raising the standard for everyone around him and helping to build a culture of support, growth, and serious academic challenge.
High School S&D Student of the Year
Edric W. – BASIS International School Shenzhen
Edric W., is the steady engine behind his team. Edric’s story is defined by longevity and commitment: growing from a thoughtful middle schooler into one of the most respected leaders in the network. In addition to his own global competitive success, Edric has rooted himself in this community, co-constructing a leadership infrastructure that empowers student leadership, emboldens student contributions, and highlights student success.
Within the debate community, he is a Network Champion, National Champion, Harvard and Stanford outround participant, an award-winning scholar and writer, and is currently at the forefront of public policy in both his work at the United Nations and the International Public Policy Forum. Edric models the opportunities that debate can create for students. Leading TEDxYouth at BASIS International School Shenzhen, Edric guides speakers through topic development, research, drafting, and rehearsal. Under his leadership, TEDx has become a platform where academic rigor and personal narrative come together in powerful ways.
Perhaps most telling is the way his teammates respond to him: students build around Edric. They study with him, trust his judgment, rely on his presence, and know he will show up.
BIBS • C S&D Coach of the Year
Antonio Gutierrez, – BASIS International School Hangzhou
This year’s BIBS • C Coach of the Year represents the heart of what Speech & Debate can do for young people and families. One parent shared, “Mr. Gutierrez’s unique blend of strategic coaching, empowering leadership, and heartfelt care has made an indelible impact on our team and our families. Under his guidance, students have blossomed into assured and articulate communicators, with confidence that extends far beyond the competitive arena.” Another parent shared, “Mr. G’s core goal is to make every student a more confident public speaker. My daughter went from shrinking in class to delivering a short speech to her peers, all thanks to low-pressure exercises and a focus on progress, not perfection.”
Students, co-workers, and families describe Mr. Gutierrez’s impact as both tangible and intangible: yes, the trophies and titles matter—but what truly endures is the confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging that students carry into every part of their lives.
Celebrating Champions & Culture
Individual Sweepstakes Champions
This year’s Individual Sweepstakes Champion is Claire L. (BASIS International School Shenzhen, Grade 8), who demonstrated excellence in Public Forum Debate, Informative Speaking, and Original Oratory. Despite not winning an individual championship, her diversity of excellence captures the spirit of this award – consistent success in multiple categories and events. Meanwhile, the diversity of ages and campuses among the Top 5 Individual Sweepstakes Champions is a true testament to the Network’s growth.
Claire L., BASIS International School Shenzhen, Grade 8
Kevin S., BASIS International School Hangzhou, Grade 10
Ella Z., BASIS International School Nanjing, Grade 9
Audrey C., BASIS International School Shenzhen, Grade 8
Christopher N., BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan, Grade 8
This year’s Team Sweepstakes Champions were BASIS International School Shenzhen, who elevated students to the final round of every single competitive event and secured multiple event championships at both the middle school and high school levels.
Team Sweepstakes Champions
1st – BASIS International School Shenzhen
2nd – BASIS International School Hangzhou
3rd – BASIS International School Nanjing
Senior Celebration
As the tournament concluded, we took a moment to honor the commitment and contribution of our graduating Seniors as they were awarded with graduating honors. As we reflect on their accomplishments over the past four years, we also share in celebrating their future opportunities.
Looking Ahead
With over a thousand students participating, all nine campuses appearing in finals, and new programs making their mark, this year’s BIBS • C Speech & Debate season signals a powerful trajectory for our network.
We look forward to:
- Even broader access to speech and debate opportunities for students at every campus.
- Continued collaboration among coaches to raise the bar for instruction and student support.
- More stories like those of Christopher N., Edric W., and Antonio Gutierrez – stories of persistence, leadership, and communities transformed by the power of student voice.
To our students, coaches, families, administrators, and staff across all nine campuses:
Thank you for another unforgettable season of Speech & Debate. The conversations you started this year—in classrooms, practice rooms, and final rounds—will echo far beyond our tournaments.
