This fall, Minnetonka High School junior Willa Brubaker ‘28 traveled to China to compete in the International Chinese Bridge Contest, where she placed first in the world for the secondary school division and was named the program’s World Champion.

Since its inception in the early 2000s, the Chinese Bridge Competition has grown into one of the world's most prominent international Chinese language competitions, bringing together talented students from across the globe. As more than a language contest, it challenges participants to demonstrate their Chinese language proficiency, knowledge of China, cultural understanding, and talents through speeches, knowledge-based challenges, and cultural performances. The competition celebrates not only linguistic excellence but also cross-cultural understanding and global connections. 

Brubaker spent two weeks in China as part of the competition and cultural experience. She advanced through several demanding stages, including the Bridge-Crossing Round, Advancement Round, Semifinal and Final, demonstrating her Chinese proficiency, cultural knowledge, communication skills and talents. After becoming Champion of the Americas, she advanced to the final round, where the champions representing five continents competed for the overall title. Brubaker ultimately earned the top honor and became the 2026 Chinese Bridge World Champion.

“I met people from around the world, including from Indonesia, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, and more,” shared Brubaker when reflecting on her experience as part of the November 5 School Board Recognitions Program. “I am very grateful to all my Chinese teachers who have helped me on my journey to becoming a global champion. The Chinese Immersion program here at Minnetonka is very close to my heart.”

Willa, congratulations on your outstanding achievement! 

To learn more about Immersion opportunities in Minnetonka Schools, visit minnetonkaschools.org/immersion