Way To Go: Nitish Rajagopal, Jericho

A Jericho student with a knack for debate has won a top award in a local tournament that drew more than 300 students from throughout the tri-state region.

Nitish Rajagopal, a Jericho Middle School seventh-grader, took home the Top Speaker's first-place gavel last month at a New York City Urban Debate League tournament in Brooklyn. The award is based on clarity and delivery, he said.

"It really helped boost my self-esteem," said Nitish, 12. Of his love for debate, he said: "I enjoy debating because it's something I don't usually do — and it makes me smarter too."

In addition to the award, Nitish and his partner, Justin Lin of Great Neck South Middle School, placed fourth in the middle school advanced debate division. The topic challenged students to debate whether the United States government should boost its joint development and ocean exploration in the Arctic.

Nitish learned of the league through his participation in the Agape Leaders Institute in Manhasset, a debate camp he attends for three hours each Saturday. There, he and a group of peers perform speaking drills and other debate techniques.

Nitish, who aspires to be a lawyer, also is a member of his middle school's basketball team and LEGO robotics team.