Newark Celebrates the Park Elementary Debate Team’s Success

Park Elementary Debate Team Winners
Park Elementary Debate Team Winners

Congratulations to the Park Elementary Debate Team for their participation and success in the first Elementary Middle School (EMS) Tournament on October 28, 2023. From left to right, Christian Echevarria, Saniyah McLaren, Branden Lizardo, Yamilex Castillo, Yliannel Mosquera, Dylan Lopez, Troy Savage, and Suriema Burgos.

Competitors Christian and Branden walked away with their first win. Dylan and Troy competed in their first tournament and brought with them a vast array of historical context. A special shout out to beginners, Saniyah McLaren and Yliannel Mosquera, for winning first place team in the beginner division, and winning second and seventh, respectively, in the individual category. In the experienced division, Yamilex Castillo and Suriema Burgos also won first place as a team based on the preliminary results. Yamilex won third individually and Suriema took first. Congratulations to all of the scholars, as well as coaches Jonathan Vanderhoof and Omyra Molina. Thank you to the Park Staff and Principal Sylvia Esteves for their continued support of the team.