February 19, 2026
Students from Mounds Park Academy earned a record number of placements at a prestigious national speech and debate tournament held on the campus of Harvard University, marking the most successful showing in program history. Below are the results from the tournament:
- Sidd Sastry: Octafinals in Impromptu
- Kelvyn Boddipalli: Quarterfinals in Humor
- Lucy Mayer: Quarterfinals in Oratory
- Ash Klann: Quarterfinals in Oratory
- Guy Schwieger/Nico Bergh: Quarterfinals in Duo
- Kelvyn Boddipalli/Oslo Norcross: Semifinals in Duo
- Oslo Norcross: Fifth place in Informative
- Ash Klann: Champion in Impromptu
The results represent the highest number of placements Mounds Park Academy has ever achieved at the tournament and continue the program’s strong national momentum. Over the past year, the speech team has earned four National Circuit victories, underscoring its growing presence on the national stage.
The tournament’s success was also the result of extensive behind-the-scenes support from MPA families and alumni. Michael Norcross and Mira Norcross, along with their son Strom Norcross, Lucinda Hodgson and her mother Patricia Lorsch, and Neelu Boddipalli provided logistical and student support throughout the long competition days.
Akshay Somayajula ’24 also contributed as a tournament judge, offering encouragement and mentorship to current competitors.
Students and families navigated Harvard’s campus from early morning until late evening, ensuring competitors were supported throughout the demanding schedule. Their collective efforts played a vital role in making the tournament a success and exemplified the strong community behind Mounds Park Academy’s nationally competitive speech program.
