The Speech and Debate students at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley made their school and The 

Golden State Academy proud this year with their strong performances at the John Schamber Invitational, a respected and recognized competition at the University of the Pacific, which has been taking place for over twenty years.


Hundreds of young speakers across the United States gathered to qualify for The Tournament of Champions, and spoke in competitions with over 100 participants. Two students performed particularly well: Kayra Ilkbahar and Akash Shanmugam, placing 4th in the Tournament of Champions National Tournament at Western Kentucky University in Varsity Public Forum Debate. BISV’s Varsity and younger Speech and Debate students also shone brightly and will have more opportunities throughout the season to qualify for future speaking events such as The Tournament of Champions or Nationals, which will be held in Indiana.

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Our Bobcats’ stellar Speech and Debate performance reflects Golden State Academy’s energetic motto: “If You Can Speak, You Can Influence, If You Can Influence, You Can Change Lives”, and the students will surely live up to this in their upcoming competition in Indiana.

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Please see below for a full list of BASIS Independent winners:

Akash Shanmugam and Kayra Ilkbahar - Semifinalist (top 4), Qualifying for the Tournament of Champions National Tournament at Western Kentucky University in Varsity Public Forum Debate.

Akash Shanmugam - Semifinals (Top 12) Varsity Impromptu Speaking

Akash Shanmugam - 2nd Place Radio Broadcasting

Esha Bhasin - SemiFinalist (Top 4) Junior Varsity Lincoln Douglas Debate

Esha Bhasin - 7th Junior Varsity Dramatic Interpretation

Aashna Sahejpal - 4th Varsity Humorous Interpretation

Amulya Aditham and Monisha Murali - 6th Junior Varsity Duo Interpretation

Meriam Ahmad and Santiago Carretero - 1st Junior Varsity Duo Interpretation

Mohan Morusupalli - Semi Finals (Top 12) Varsity Dramatic Interpretation 

Shrayes Upadhyayula - Semi Finals (Top 12) Varsity Extemporaneous Speaking

Anmol Bhide - Octofinals (top 16) Junior Varsity Lincoln Douglas

Samrit Mathur - Octofinals (top 16) Varsity Lincoln Douglas