Fort Wayne Canterbury High School

Fort Wayne, Ind. — Canterbury School Athletics is proud to announce that senior Aran Padmalingam has been selected to the 2026 Indiana Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) First-Team Academic All-State Team. Padmalingam is the only student-athlete from Canterbury School to receive this prestigious recognition this year. Statewide, just 87 Indiana high school seniors — 44 boys and 43 girls — were named First-Team Academic All-State. The IBCA Academic All-State program honors student-athletes who demonstrate excellence both in the classroom and on the basketball court. Selection is based on a combination of academic achievement and athletic performance, including grade-point average, class rank, standardized test scores, and seasonal basketball statistics such as scoring, rebounds and assists. Student-athletes are nominated by their head coaches and must meet rigorous academic criteria, including a minimum 3.50 GPA, ranking in the top 25 percent of their graduating class, and earning either an SAT score of at least 1100 (reading and math sections) or an ACT composite score of 24. Following nomination, an IBCA committee reviews each candidate’s academic credentials and athletic accomplishments before determining the final selections. Padmalingam’s recognition reflects the IBCA’s mission of celebrating student-athletes who embody excellence in both academics and athletics. In total, 501 Indiana high school basketball players received Academic All-State recognition in 2026 across first-team and honorable mention categories. The IBCA has selected an individual Academic All-State team for boys since 1973, expanding the program to include girls in 1980. Canterbury Athletics congratulates Aran Padmalingam on this outstanding achievement and commends him for representing Canterbury School with distinction both in the classroom and on the basketball court. Canterbury School is an independent, college-preparatory school in Fort Wayne, Indiana, serving students from early childhood through grade 12. Founded in 1977, Canterbury is dedicated to academic excellence, character development, and fostering a lifelong love of learning. The school’s rigorous curriculum, vibrant arts programs, competitive athletics, and wide range of extracurricular opportunities are designed to inspire students to reach their full potential. Guided by a strong commitment to community and service, Canterbury graduates are well-prepared to lead and succeed in college and beyond.