In April 2016 Nysmith students competed in the DC Urban Debate League Holy Trinity Championships.

The topic was a difficult one: To alleviate income inequality in the United States, increased spending on public infrastructure should be prioritized over increased spending on means-tested welfare programs.

Nysmith received various accolades:

Most wins over the school year, 3rd place: The Nysmith School
4th place Speaker Award, Open: McKenzie Hiek
4th place Team, Open: Sarang Arun and McKenzie Hiek
3rd place Team, Open: Justin Ward and Bhavjeet Sanghera

DCUDL Coach of the Year: Nysmith’s own Maria-Theresa Dragg