The alpacas were out, the debates were fiery, and Rutherford College brought the heat at this year’s World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) Auckland Round, held at Kelston Boys’ High School on May 13–14. With two junior and two senior teams, Rutherford didn’t just show up—we showed off!

This exciting international academic competition celebrates learning, curiosity, and teamwork, bringing together students from around the region to compete in debates, writing, quizzes, and collaborative challenges. It also offers a shot at the prestigious Global Rounds and, ultimately, the Tournament of Champions at Yale University.

The competition was fierce, with powerhouse schools like St Kentigern, Rangitoto, EGGS, ACG Parnell, and more in the mix. But it was clear the main rivalry was between St Kentigern and Rutherford College—who walked away with a trove of top-tier trophies and medals.

Star of the Show:

In the junior division, Suleman Hamdani (10FI) absolutely stole the spotlight. He was crowned Overall Junior Champion Scholar, took home six gold medals (yes, six!) across literature, history, science, art, social studies, and the special topic—and topped three individual subject challenges! Talk about an academic triple threat.

Team Triumphs:

•    Suleman, along with Adam Yuan and Samuel Chan, claimed third place overall in the junior division.

•    Our other junior team—Emma D’Anvers, Oliver Gray, and Noel Mendonca—were crowned Overall Junior Champion Team!

o    Emma was named Champion Writer, while Oliver and Noel were Top Debaters of the entire competition.

Seniors on Fire:

•    Maire Hohepa snagged a gold and came second in Collaborative Writing.

•    Neil Menonca scored a gold and placed fourth in History.

•    Kaia Evans took gold and second in Literature and Media.

•    And Natalia Noone-Jones? She absolutely dazzled:

o    Three golds in Art and Music, Literature and Media, and Social Studies.

o    Second place overall scholar!

Together, Kaia, Amy Thompson, and Natalia formed the Second Place Senior Champion Team.

These students not only worked incredibly hard across two intense days of competition, but they also brought joy, creativity, and school spirit to the event—taking part in the talent show and lifting the atmosphere with every round.

We couldn’t be prouder. You represented Rutherford with brilliance, humility, and heart. Congratulations, Scholars—onward to the next round!

by Ana Gerzic