SBS On the World Stage
Debate & Public Speaking Achievements
Stoneleigh-Burnham students consistently perform at a level that earns recognition on the world stage. Their dedication and competitive strength have led SBS students to qualify for the World Championship throughout the program’s history.
The World Individual Debating & Public Speaking Championship (WIDPSC) – Known informally as Worlds – is one of the most competitive global competitions for high school students, bringing together top debaters and speakers from around the world.
Competitor Spotlight
Maeve Noble '26
With nearly 200 speakers competing from around the world, Maeve was a stand-out competitor at the 2026 competition held in Bristol, England. Based on preliminary scores, Maeve finished 28th overall, with an impressive 12th in persuasive speaking and 6th in impromptu speaking.
A particular strength of Maeve’s speaking style is her willingness to be deeply personal and open. Whether through humor or vulnerability, she draws on her own experiences to create speeches that resonate with her audience.
Our Competitors
Qualifying for the World Individual Debating & Public Speaking Championships means ranking among the top student speakers globally. Whether or not students ultimately travel to compete, qualifying alone reflects exceptional skill, preparation, and achievement.
Maeve Noble '26
World Competitor
Bristol, England –2026
Stella Turowsky-Gance '24
World Competitor
Durban, South Africa – 2023
Yanique Jacques '22
World Competitor
Ontario, Canada (virtual) – 2022
McKenna Goodson '22
World Competitor
Ontario, Canada (virtual) – 2022
Joy Lundberg '20
World Competitor
Winnipeg, Canada (virtual) – 2020
Jacqueline Morgan '19
World Competitor
Toronto, Canada – 2019
Julia Thayer '18
World Competitor
Cape Town, South Africa – 2018
Sophie Hathaway '18
World Competitor
Cape Town, Africa – 2018
Sydney, Australia – 2017
Clara Swarzentruber '16
World Competitor
Pittsburgh, PA – 2016
Claire Lane '16
World Competitor
Pittsburgh, PA – 2016
Hong Kong – 2015
Karen Mardini '14
World Qualifier
2014
Jane Logan
World Competitor
Durban, South Africa – 2013
Bryna Cofrin-Shaw '10
Druskininkai, Lithuania –2010
Emily Palmer '10
Druskininkai, Lithuania –2010
Obehi Utubor '05
Nicosia, Cyprus –2005
Kelley Stiles '05
Nicosia, Cyprus –2005
Emma Nolan-Thomas '04
Salt Lake City, UT – 2004
Bethany Hubbard '02
Balgowan, South Africa – 2002
Alexandra Madden '01
Reading, England – 2001
Stephanie McCusker '94
Somerset, England – 1994
Dionis Gauvin '92
Aylesbury, England – 1992
Julia Bastarache '91
Somerset, England – 1991
Christine Claffey '88
Reading, England – 1988
Inaugural Year
