We Are the League Feature Series: Meet Param Thakkar

Editor's Note: Welcome to We Are the League, a feature series that recognizes the work, dedication and enthusiasm of individuals who are essential in making opportunities within the Minnesota State High School League a truly great experience for all. During this series, you will meet an incredible array of individuals, including student-participants, who will share their journeys through education-based activities. The League hopes you enjoy this recognition series.

My high school journey

• I have been heavily involved in both Speech and Debate, and am a captain of both teams at Eagan High School. I also love to pass on the same communication skills that Speech and Debate have taught me to the next wave of public speakers, which I do through hosting free Speech and Debate camps over the summer for more than 200 kids across the globe. I am involved in competitive math, and serve as the captain of Minnesota’s all-state math team and my school’s math team. I am the co-founder of the UNICEF Club, which has grown to one of the largest student-founded organizations at Eagan High School. We’ve raised more $10,000 and have been recognized by the United Nations and UNICEF USA for our work. I am also on the varsity tennis team, and we placed sixth at the state tournament in 2024. My aspirations are in Applied Mathematics, where I look to take my math skills and apply it to various subjects. To be able to unlock math’s applicative potential, I’ll have to collaborate and interact with individuals who are experts in those various subjects, and I believe as a result of my experience in Speech and Debate, I’ll be able to communicate efficiently and effectively with them. Whether it’s physics, finance, or biology, I’m excited to utilize my math skills to make a tangible difference in the world. I was able to find my passion in mathematics after taking advanced math courses such as "Applied Machine Learning" and "Mathematical Logic" at the University of Minnesota, as they opened me up to a whole new world of math.

Favorite high school memories

• Many of my favorite high school memories are at Speech and Debate travel tournaments. Whether it’s exploring downtown Boston during the Harvard Tournament or going bowling with the team in Phoenix, I know I’ll carry these memories with me forever. I remember when we were at the national tournament in Phoenix my sophomore year, we were walking to grab some lunch when we came across a shopping cart. We ended up organizing a team shopping cart race, and the entire time was spent laughing (luckily no one was hurt!). Winning a state championship for Policy Debate this past month was truly exhilarating. After spending countless hours prepping and doing drills with my debate partner, to complete a goal that I’ve had since I joined this activity, was a dream come true. To make it even more special, I was able to share this experience with one of my closest friends, Tristin, who is my debate partner. I’d also like to thank my coaches for making this possible.

Why I enjoy being involved with high school activities

• I enjoy being in Speech and Debate because of the community that it’s given me. I’ve found my best friends in Speech and Debate, and although almost every Saturday of mine is dedicated to a Speech or Debate tournament, I’ve never held an ounce of regret. I also enjoy public speaking because it’s taught me how to approach persuasion --- first, I try to understand, then I tailor my delivery to each audience, and finally, I speak with conviction.  I enjoy being a part of the tennis team because of fun drives to each match. Our varsity tennis team is made of just 12 members, so instead of taking a bus like many of the other sports, we take a school van to the matches. Each car ride is filled with blasting music, guaranteeing that we get hyped for our match. Although I am always bouncing between my activities, I look forward to every practice, tournament, and hangout — these activities have become my hobbies and have shaped me into who I am. If I were to redo high school all over again, there isn’t a single thing I’d change about the activities that I chose.