VHSL Academic Activity winners announced for the 2025-26 National Guard Cup
presented by the Virginia Army National Guard
Eastside, Lebanon, Maggie Walker, Jefferson Forest, Clover Hill, and McLean claim 2025-26 Academic Activity crowns
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — The VHSL announces the 2025-26 National Guard Cup, presented by the Virginia Army National Guard, for year-long academic activities success. For the 2025-26 season, multiple winners emerged: Jefferson Forest repeated as champion, marking its third title in the last four seasons and earning its fifth Cup since 2018. Eastside earned its second Cup in three years and its third in Class 1. Maggie Walker won its third Cup in Class 3. Clover Hill took back-to-back titles and its fourth Cup in Class 5. McLean won the Cup for the first time since 1999-2000.
The Cup, first awarded in 1990, represents 37 seasons of excellence. Each year, six Cups are given for academic activities and athletics in each of the VHSL’s six enrollment classifications. Schools earn Cup points in activities such as Magazine, Newsmagazine, Newspaper, Online News, Yearbook, Broadcast, Robotics, Esports, Theatre, Scholastic Bowl, Speech, Debate, Creative Writing, and Film.
A point system determines the winners based on overall performance in VHSL state championship competitions. In athletics, first place earns 50 points, second place earns 45 points, third place earns 40 points, fourth place earns 35 points, fifth place earns 30 points, sixth place earns 25 points, seventh place earns 20 points, and eighth place earns 15 points. Schools earning the League’s Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Award earn 50 points each.
For the five academic activities involving team champions — scholastic bowl, creative writing, debate, theatre, forensics, and robotics — points are awarded on the following basis: first place, 50; second place, 45; third place, 40; fourth place, 35; fifth place, 30; sixth place, 25; seventh place, 20; and eighth place, 15.
Scoring in publications is based on the ranking earned in the League’s evaluation service: Trophy Class, 35; First Place, 20; Second Place, 5.
Click on the link below for complete standings.
2025-26 National Guard Cup Academic Activity Standings presented by the Virginia Army National Guard
