San Antonio Academy
2026 8th Grade Championship Debate
2026 8th Grade Championship Debate
Posted May 8, 2026
The annual 8th Grade Championship Debate brought together the top student speakers in the Class of 2026 for an afternoon of thoughtful discussion, persuasive argument, and confident public speaking. This year’s debate centered on the topic, “In recent decades, the quality of life for children and teens in the United States has improved significantly.”
Representing the proposing team were Mateo Nelson, William Johnston, Camp Browning, Edward Guajardo, and Hudson Holloway. The opposing team included Cash Corrigan, T. Watson, Merrit Nicewander, Monroe Golden, and Syd Wright. After a spirited exchange of research, rebuttals, and closing arguments, the opposing team earned this year’s championship title.
The Championship Debate serves as a culminating experience within the 8th-grade curriculum and reflects San Antonio Academy’s longstanding emphasis on communication and public speaking. Guided by 8th Grade English and Literature Teacher Mr. Brendan Moore, students spend years developing the skills needed to speak with clarity, confidence, and purpose in front of an audience.
Only ten students are selected to compete in the Championship Debate, making participation a significant achievement and a testament to each student’s growth throughout their Academy journey.
A special thank you goes to our judges, Mrs. Briseño, Coach McElrath, and Dr. Wilson, for lending their time and expertise to this memorable event, and to the many parents and family members who came out to support the boys in one of their final public displays of understanding as Academy boys.
Divider Logo
More Stories of Interest...
![Once an Academy Boy, Always an Academy Brother]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1792175081/saacademyorg/nelswnmjgj3ifmq7bhbg/alumnidaythumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1792175081/saacademyorg/nelswnmjgj3ifmq7bhbg/alumnidaythumbnail.jpg","width":500}])
Nearly 70 alumni returned to campus Friday for Alumni Day, one of SAA’s most meaningful traditions, giving our youngest cadets a front-row seat to see what a Bond of Brothers really looks like. Graduates spanning more than 50 years, from the Class of 1972 to the Class of 2026, filled chapel, marked reunion milestones, and watched as new cadets took the Joining Oath.
![dr. gurian presentation]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1791926329/saacademyorg/nb2ryurypkn0uwqbrpjy/dr-gurian-parent-talk-11.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1791926329/saacademyorg/nb2ryurypkn0uwqbrpjy/dr-gurian-parent-talk-11.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1791926329/saacademyorg/nb2ryurypkn0uwqbrpjy/dr-gurian-parent-talk-11.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1791926329/saacademyorg/nb2ryurypkn0uwqbrpjy/dr-gurian-parent-talk-11.png","width":866}])
More than 100 parents, grandparents, alumni, and educators filled San Antonio Academy’s Ellison Hall on the evening of Oct. 7 to hear a simple idea: To teach boys well, start by understanding how they learn. The speaker was Dr. Michael Gurian, a best-selling author and co-founder of the Gurian Institute.
![Previous Battalion Commanders with the newly appointed 2026-2027 Battalion Commander]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1791466827/saacademyorg/w4fvitmaak7yijsewdq8/thumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1791466827/saacademyorg/w4fvitmaak7yijsewdq8/thumbnail.png","width":500}])
San Antonio Academy’s Order of Merit Committee has announced the Battalion leadership positions for the 2026–27 school year. At a ceremony after chapel on Oct. 7, all 8th graders and select 6th and 7th graders were inducted into their new roles. Families of the inductees were invited to attend and pin their sons with their new ranks. Former Battalion Commanders were invited back as well. In attendance were Joseph Shields '05, Christopher Goldsbury ’19, and Matt Silva ’02.
![Brendan Moore (Honorary Alum)]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1790613213/saacademyorg/nlrcblfepgrplbjl0t36/JacobRoosAlumniMonday.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1790613213/saacademyorg/nlrcblfepgrplbjl0t36/JacobRoosAlumniMonday.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1790613213/saacademyorg/nlrcblfepgrplbjl0t36/JacobRoosAlumniMonday.png","width":600}])
On Monday, September 28th alumnus Jacob Roos ’14 returned to The Academy for Alumni Monday, sharing how the lessons, relationships, and values he gained at SAA continue to shape his life and career. Now a financial advisor and team leader in Austin, Jacob spoke to the boys about leadership, striving for excellence, putting gratitude into action, and the lasting impact of the Academy brotherhood.