#HomeOfTheEagles shine on the international stage

Every academic challenge is an opportunity for students to broaden their perspectives, apply their knowledge, and discover their own potential.

At PennSchool, this spirit is reflected in the proud achievements of our #HomeOfTheEagles: Huynh Nguyen Gia Khang earned a Commendation prize, placing in the Top 10 of the John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize, while Do Nguyen Quynh Nhu secured a Top 14 finish, along with 2 Cups and 3 Gold Medals at the World Scholar’s Cup Global Round, earning her a place at the upcoming Tournament of Champions at Yale University, USA, from November 12 – 18, 2026.

Huynh Nguyen Gia Khang takes on the challenge of an international academic essay competition

The John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize is a prestigious international academic essay competition in which students’ submissions are evaluated by a distinguished panel of scholars from leading universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford. Making his debut in the competition, Gia Khang chose a topic in International Relations: “Does foreign aid help or harm the poor?” What made Gia Khang’s essay particularly distinctive was his decision to develop a central argument that challenged the commonly held views and much of the prevailing evidence surrounding foreign aid, rather than following conventional perspectives. This approach required him to conduct in-depth research and examine the issue from multiple angles. Through this process of research and argument development, Gia Khang was able to challenge his own thinking and recognize his progress in academic writing.

Reflecting on the experience, Gia Khang shared: “The main difference between the John Locke and the essays I do at school is that the John Locke essay requires participants to use a lot of credible evidence and know how to explain it in a thought-provoking way, and John Locke requires competitors to use a lot of high english level vocabulary and sentences. I feel especially proud of myself for getting an award in a highly selective competition.”

Gia Khang’s achievement not only recognizes his ability to develop well-founded arguments and write with depth, but also highlights his initiative in exploring social issues from different perspectives and his willingness to challenge himself with complex questions. This is another meaningful milestone in his academic journey, encouraging him to continue pursuing his interest in academic research, confidently explore new topics, and further develop his independent thinking.

Do Nguyen Quynh Nhu continues her World Scholar’s Cup journey to Yale University

Another proud achievement comes from Do Nguyen Quynh Nhu, who delivered an impressive performance at the World Scholar’s Cup Global Round in Shanghai, earning her place at the Tournament of Champions at Yale University, USA.

Looking back on her experience in Shanghai, Quynh Nhu shared: “Seeing my team place in the overall Top 14 and qualify for the World Scholar’s Cup Tournament of Champions was truly a huge surprise. I never thought we could make it past so many talented students from nearly 30 countries around the world. I feel incredibly proud of what I and my teammates have accomplished at the Global Round. The upcoming trip to the United States will be an even more challenging journey, but I believe that with continued effort, I can still achieve the results I hope for.”

Beyond the competition results, her World Scholar’s Cup journey has also transformed the way Quynh Nhu views success. Under this year’s theme, “Are We There Yet?”, she was particularly intrigued by the concept of liminality, which inspired her to reflect more deeply on the experiences we encounter along the way toward our goals. Quynh Như explained: “I used to assume that success could only be measured by a number or a specific achievement. However, while preparing for this competition, I realized that the process of reaching the finish line is what matters most because it encompasses all our efforts, successes, and even setbacks. This reflects the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: ‘It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.’”

From the rounds she has already completed to the upcoming challenge at Yale University, every experience offers Quynh Nhu an opportunity to apply her knowledge, collaborate with her teammates, and learn from different perspectives. Beyond aiming for a strong result at the Tournament of Champions, she will also have the opportunity to broaden her understanding, strengthen her critical thinking, and discover new aspects of her potential. These experiences are what make the journey meaningful, as each challenge not only brings her closer to her goals but also helps her grow along the way.

At PennSchool, #HomeOfTheEagles are encouraged to pursue their passions, take initiative in learning, and continuously push beyond their limits through academic competitions at both national and international levels. From Gia Khang’s experience in conducting research and developing arguments to Quynh Nhu’s opportunity to explore new perspectives alongside her teammates, every experience helps students build on their strengths, deepen their knowledge, and grow through each challenge.

Congratulations to both students on these remarkable achievements! May these milestones inspire them to continue exploring their potential, pursuing their goals with determination, and embracing new opportunities as they shape their future.