The 12 Chargers who qualified for the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Championship — held June 13-20 in Richmond, VA — represented Academy Speech & Debate at this event for the 39th time and were one of the biggest teams from our district. With nearly 12,000 participants, it’s one of the largest academic competitions in the world.
“To consistently qualify so many students across such a diversity of events is a testament to the strength of our program and the depth of our students’ hard work and talents,” says Coach Elise Matton.
Notable Highlights
- Sowmya Sankaran ’27 advanced to the Top 42 in Extemporaneous Debate, an event that began with 1,060 competitors, placing her in the top 4% in the nation.
- Maia Griffith ’27 advanced to the Top 50 in Impromptu Speaking — a top 8% finish.
- Anagha Devarakonda ’26 and Videet Modhia ’26 advanced to the elimination rounds in Extemporaneous Debate, placing in the top 20% and 30%, respectively.
The Nationals Team
- Avett Deacon ’28 (Humorous Interpretation)
- Anagha Devarakonda ’26 (Informative Speaking & Supplemental Extemporaneous Debate)
- Arjun Grandhe ’27 (World Schools Debate)
- Maia Griffith ’27 (Supplemental Impromptu Speaking & Expository)
- Eesha Gunukula ’27 (Congressional Debate & Supplemental Storytelling)
- Athena Hanna ’29 (Congressional Debate & Supplemental Extemporaneous Debate)
- Zoya Jehanzeb ’28 (Extemporaneous Speaking & Supplemental Extemporaneous Debate)
- Videet Modhia ’26 (Lincoln Douglas Debate & Supplemental Extemporaneous Debate)
- Hayden Roth ’26 (World Schools Debate)
- Sowmya Sankaran ’27 (Lincoln Douglas Debate & Supplemental Extemporaneous Debate)
- Alex Stromberg ’28 (Supplemental Expository)
- Katherine Xie ’27 (Original Oratory)
Hayden, Arjun, and Katherine also served as volunteer judges for middle school nationals.
