Arya Ajith '26 Makes Debate History
June 3, 2025
The ESD community is buzzing with pride as we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Arya Ajith '26, a rising senior whose name is now synonymous with excellence in the world of speech and debate. Ajith's dedication, talent, and tireless work ethic have not only brought her personal triumphs but have also made history for our school.
In an unprecedented feat, Ajith was recently honored with the Academic All-American award through the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA). This is a monumental first for ESD, as only a remarkable 1.7% of NSDA members ever achieve this prestigious recognition. The award was presented to Ajith on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Chapel, a moment truly deserving of celebration and recognition.
Ajith's impressive record extends to the competitive arena as well. She showcased her formidable skills at the Lone Star Regional Tournament - the qualifying tournament for the NSDA National Championships - where she represented ESD with distinction alongside fellow student Pranavi Talasila ‘28. Ajith's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she qualified for the highly selective national tournament in Des Moines this summer in two challenging events: Congressional Debate and Original Oratory. Even more remarkably, she won the regional tournament in Original Oratory, solidifying her standing as a top contender. Only around 2% of NSDA members qualify for the national tournament, highlighting the sheer depth of Ajith's talent.
In a particularly impressive turn, Ajith secured one of only four qualification spots for the Lone Star District in House Debate, making her eligible for the national tournament. It's worth noting that Ajith was the only female to qualify for our district in this event, a testament to her unique skill and determination.
Looking back to Fall 2024, Ajith's journey of success was already in full swing. She achieved her first outright championship victory at the Boerne Champion Speech and Debate competition. Competing against a field of over 110 participants, she dominated all three three-hour-long rounds, securing 1st place in each! This early triumph foreshadowed the incredible accomplishments that would follow.
Arya Ajith is more than just a talented debater; she is an inspiration. Her remarkable achievements, including being the first Academic All-American in ESD history and qualifying for the national tournament in multiple events, underscore her exceptional abilities and commitment. Her accomplishments are a testament not only to her success this year, but to her efforts from the fourth grade through today. Since arriving at ESD, Ajith has been the most successful debate competitor at ESD, thanks to the enduring support of her parents, Ajith was able to revive the program. Now, the program boasts over thirty participants between the middle and upper school.
We eagerly anticipate cheering her on at the national tournament this summer and look forward to witnessing the continued impact of this truly extraordinary ESD Eagle!
