U of GH students win 2025 Highland Cup moot, showcasing strong analytical and debating skills

It was a first-place victory for a team of two University of Guelph-Humber students who won the 2025 Highland Cup moot, held at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus.

Second-year Psychology student Christabell Zalwango and second-year Justice Studies student Francesco Deleo, both members of the Guelph-Humber Pre-Law Society, showcased strong legal reasoning and advocacy abilities to come out on top. During a mooting competition, teams are given a court case where a ruling has already been made, and they must prepare arguments for both sides of the case (as the appellant and as the respondent). The case for this year’s Highland Cup was R. v. Underwood. 

“In 2024, Highland Cup was the first moot I ever competed in. A full year and six competitions later, this win means so much to me,” Zalwango said.

After two days of the competition, aside from shiny gold trophies, the students walked away with sharper skillsets that will be useful when competing in future moots, inside the classroom, and during their careers.

“Mooting has taught me to be a better speaker, built my self-confidence, and allowed me to meet so many great people,” she continued. 

Deleo added that competing has challenged him to become a better critical thinker and debater.

“It has been a personal goal of mine to win one mooting championship before completing my undergraduate degree. However, this victory has only further motivated me to keep competing, win more competitions, and further strengthen my oral advocacy skills,” Deleo said. 

He continued, “Christabell and I have worked very hard, and this accomplishment feels like a meaningful payoff for that commitment. We faced many tough and talented opponents, including some who had eliminated us in previous competitions, which made this victory even sweeter.”

Justice Studies Chair Gary Galbraith said this achievement is an outstanding testimony to Guelph-Humber’s student leaders who showed tremendous dedication and hard work, as well as the Pre-Law Society for preparing its members for moots. Moreover, he highlighted the role the University’s Student Life has in supporting students during their participation in mooting competitions.

Congratulations Christabell Zalwango and Francesco Deleo! 

Keep up with the Guelph-Humber Pre-Law Society on Instagram @ghpls.