HGME Student Summit 2025 Showcases Talent and Builds Confidence Across the Region

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – June 27, 2025 — Homeschool Global Middle East (HGME) recently brought together students from its hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the annual Student Summit 2025 Interhub Competitions. The event, held at the HGME Dubai Hub, featured in-person contests alongside virtual participation from KSA students via Zoom.
Under the theme “Empowered: Building Confidence, Celebrating Excellence,” the Summit celebrated the academic, artistic, and personal achievements of learners from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
The Student Summit offered a broad spectrum of contests, ranging from intellectual challenges to artistic showcases, providing students a platform to demonstrate their skills, creativity, and teamwork. Mr. Richard Dionisio, HGME’s Head of Operations, reflected on the value of such events. “Friendly competitions spark motivation, build character, and turn learning into a joyful pursuit of excellence,” he said.
Ms. Donna Laminta, Head of Learn at HGME, also emphasized the academic value of the competitions: “At the Student Summit, our homeschoolers put their foundational knowledge to the test in both the Battle of the Brains and the Spelling Bee. They were given an opportunity to proudly showcase just how much they’ve learned on their homeschool journey.”
Academic contests saw spirited participation and impressive results. In the Spelling Bee, Rei Martus Bacongallo and Sean Jeremy Amanna tied up in first place in the Grades 1–3 category, while Leah Ingrid Atienza claimed first place among Grades 4–6.
The Bible Memory Contest highlighted Leopoldo Eli Atienza (Grade 1-3) and Nathanael Archky Balmores (Grade 4-6) as winners in their respective divisions.
Literary and journalistic talents also stood out. Jayden Raziel Espares secured first place in Feature Writing, with Jannah Agao winning Photojournalism, and Rei Martus Bacongallo recognized for outstanding Storytelling.
The Battle of the Brains challenged the intellects of older students, with Gabriel Sollestre (Grades 7–8) and Arcelyn Morales (Grades 9–12) earning the top spots. In the Newscasting contest, Jasser Agao impressed judges with his clear and engaging delivery.
Creative expression flourished in the arts competitions: Francesca Mia Quides won the On-the-Spot Painting contest; Jayden Raziel Espares captivated audiences in the Spoken Poetry competition; and vocalists Mica Abrera (High School) and Reanne Jewelle Amparo (Grade School) took home honors in their divisions for the Vocal Solo competition.
In the Musical Instrument contests, Leif Lopena claimed first place in the Grade School category, while the high school ensemble Hybrid Uncs showcased exceptional teamwork and musicianship to win their division.

In the Musical Instrument contests, Leif Lopena claimed first place in the Grade School category, while the high school ensemble Hybrid Uncs showcased exceptional teamwork and musicianship to win their division.

Winners were formally recognized with awards and medals, reinforcing HGME’s commitment to nurturing confident, creative learners prepared to lead in their communities and beyond.