Debate

Newark Public Schools Students Win Five First-Place Awards at Prestigious New York City Invitational Speech & Debate Tournament

From left, Science Park High School’s Moyinoluwa Olagadeyo, Mofoluwa Olagadeyo , Risiqat Adeniji, and Anne Blessing Odra.

From left, Barringer High School’s Sheekira King, Toumaye Siripe, Edgar Medina, and Britney Deer.

Central High School’s Jamal Kirton, left, and Champion Allwell.

Arts High School’s Kamira Hall, left, and Lordina Gakpe.

From left, University High School’s Josmanuel Deleon, Dante Elliott, Jazzlee Usher, and Belonica Maceno.

NEW YORK CITY – Newark Public Schools students won five first-place awards at the 2025 New York City Invitational Speech & Debate Tournament, one of the nation’s most competitive and respected forensics competitions.

The three-day event, hosted annually by the Bronx High School of Science, attracts hundreds of elite debaters and speakers from across the country. Newark students from Science Park High School, Central High School, Barringer High School, University High School, and Arts High School distinguished themselves among the nation’s best, earning top placements in multiple categories and team sweepstakes honors.

Newark Public Schools’ five first-place awards are:

  • Policy Debate: Mofoluwa Olagadeyo and Risiqat Adeniji – Science Park High School
  • Dramatic Interpretation: Jamal Kirton – Central High School
  • Duo Interpretation: Jamal Kirton and Champion Allwell – Central High School
  • Poetry and Prose: Jamal Kirton – Central High School
  • Original Oratory: Britney Deer – Barringer High School

“Our students’ extraordinary success at one of the country’s most competitive tournaments shows how Newark Public Schools continue to raise the bar in academic competition,” said Superintendent León. “Winning five first-place awards at a national-level tournament is a tremendous achievement, and we could not be prouder of these high school students and their coaches.”

“Once again, Newark’s students proved that our city produces some of the most talented debaters and speakers in the nation,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Their victories reflect the passion, preparation, and excellence that define Newark Public Schools.”

Science Park Sweeps The Policy Debate Tournament

Under the guidance of Coach Jonathan Alston, Science Park High School captured 1st Place in Policy Debate, with the team of Mofoluwa Olagadeyo and Risiqat Adeniji taking top honors. As they advanced through the tournament brackets, they defeated teams from New York, Maryland, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Teammates Anne Odra and Moyinoluwa Olagadeyo reached the Octofinals, while Anne-Blessing Odra (3rd), Moyinoluwa Olagadeyo (6th), Mofoluwa Olagadeyo (7th), and Risiqat Adeniji (8th) earned individual Speaker Awards, underscoring Science Park’s continued dominance in policy debate. There were 126 speakers in the Policy Debate tournament.

Central Scores A Hat Trick

Led by Coach Dennis Philbert, Central High School delivered an exceptional showing with three first-place finishes. Jamal Kirton earned 1st Place in Dramatic Interpretation and 1st Place in Poetry and Prose and teamed with Champion Allwell to win 1st Place in Duo Interpretation. Central also earned 5th Place Overall in the Sweepstakes Team Award, highlighting the school’s depth of talent.

Barringer Brings It And Achieves Excellence

With Coach Michael Sowell at the helm, Barringer High School continued its strong forensics tradition. Britney Deer and Toumaye Siripe took 1st and 2nd Place respectively in Original Oratory, while Sheekira King placed 3rd in Poetry and Prose and Edgar Medina earned 6th in Humorous Interpretation. Barringer also achieved 2nd Place Overall in the Sweepstakes Team Award, marking one of its best tournament performances to date.

University Phoenixes Rise To The Finals

With Coach Saul Grullon leading the Phoenix, University High School’s Dante Elliott earned 5th Place in Dramatic Interpretation and, with Josmanuel Deleon, took 5th Place in Duo Interpretation. Deleon also reached the semifinals in both Dramatic Interpretation and Poetry and Prose, joined by Belonica Maceno and Jazzlee Usher, who advanced to the semifinal round as well.

Arts High’s Hall Places Fourth In The Finals

Representing Arts High School and coached by David Richardson, Kamira Hall placed 4th in both Program of Oral Interpretation and Poetry and Prose, while Lordina Gakpe reached the semifinals in Poetry and Prose.

About Newark Public Schools

The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676.  The District currently enrolls over 40,000 students in 65 schools.  After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983

Newark Students Earn High Honors at Yale Invitational Speech & Debate Tournament

Students from Barringer, Central, and University High Schools earn bids for the national Tournament of Champions

The University High School team, from left: Jovany Hinds, Belonica Maceno, Coach Saul Grullon, Josmanuel De Leon, Dante Elliott, Jade Peralta, and Luis Franco.
Britney Deer of Barringer High School
Central High School’s Champion Allwell, left, and Jamal Kirton

NEW HAVEN, CONN. – Ten Newark Public Schools students earned high honors at the Yale Debate Association’s 33rd Annual Yale Invitational High School Tournament, taking home awards in five categories.
 
The Yale Invitational, which was held at Yale University from September 19th to 21st, is one of the most competitive early-season tournaments in the nation, drawing hundreds of top high school debaters from across the country.
 
University High School’s Jade Peralta and Barringer High School’s Britney Deer made history as the first students from their respective schools to reach the finals at the Yale tournament. They, along with Central High School’s Jamal Kirton and Champion Allwell, received invitations to compete at the national Tournament of Champions at the University of Kentucky in 2026.
 
University High School also earned the distinction of having the most students advance to the semifinals, with five students placing among the top 12 in their categories.
 
“Our students continue to prove that Newark sits on the national stage in academics and competition,” said Superintendent León. “Their success at Yale is a testament to their talent, their coaches’ dedication, and the strength of our schools.”
 
“We are proud to celebrate these students for representing Newark with excellence,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Achievements like this remind us of the brilliance and determination within our district.”
 
Top Awards

Central High School

  • Jamal Kirton and Champion Allwell – 2nd place, Duo Interpretation (Coach: Dennis Philbert

Barringer High School

  • Britney Deer – 2nd place, Oratory (Coach: Michael Sowell)

University High School

  • Jade Peralta – 6th place, Dramatic Interpretation (Coach: Saul Grullon)

Semifinalists
Central High School

  • Jamal Kirton – Semifinalist, Dramatic Interpretation

University High School

  • Dante Elliott & Josmanuel De Leon – Semifinalists, Dramatic Interpretation
  • Belonica Maceno & Luis Franco – Semifinalists, Oral Interpretation
  • Jovany Hinds – Semifinalist, Humorous Interpretation

About Newark Public Schools

The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676.  The District currently enrolls over 41,000 students in 65 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened eleven new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983

Newark Public Schools Students Make History at National Speech and Debate Tournament

Newark Public Schools Students Make History at National Speech and Debate Tournament

Central and University High School competitors earn national honors; district recognized among Top 20 schools nationwide

DES MOINES – Newark Public Schools student orators earned national recognition last week at the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament, capping off a historic year for the district’s speech and debate programs.

For the first time in district history, Central High School seniors Cassidy Harris and Ayomide Adekoya placed in the top ranks of the Dramatic Interpretation national championship—Harris earning fifth place and Adekoya sixth in the country. Dramatic Interpretation is one of the national tournament’s main events.

“In the 100-year history of the NSDA, they were the first from our district to grace the national tournament’s stage for a main event,” said Dennis Philbert, Central High School Speech and Debate Coach. “Not only did they make history, but Central High also received a Team Sweepstakes Award, placing in the Top 20 out of more than 1,600 high schools nationwide.”

University High School’s Malakai Yepes also delivered a standout performance, placing seventh in the national Poetry championship. Poetry is one of the national tournament’s supplemental events. It was the second consecutive year Yepes finished in the national rankings.

Science Park High School’s Risiqat Adeniji and Mofoluwa Olagadeyo, who won the Policy Debate state championship in March, came in seventh place in the same category at the national tournament.

“Our students have once again shown Newark’s excellence to the nation,” said Superintendent León. “To see our scholars rise to the top in a field as demanding as competitive speech and debate at the national level is a demonstration of their brilliance, their coaches’ dedication, and the culture of excellence we are building in our schools. I am proud beyond words of Cassidy, Ayomide, Malakai, Risiqat, Mofoluwa, and every student who competed and made history for Newark.”

“This extraordinary achievement reflects the power of student voice and the strength of our district’s academic programs,” said Hasani K. Council, President of the Newark Board of Education. “Their performances on the national stage spotlight the talent and determination that exist in every Newark school. On behalf of the Board, I congratulate our students, their families, and their coaches for raising the bar and making us all proud.”

Additional top performances included the following:

Central High School – Dennis Philbert, Coach

  • Jamal Kirton – Semifinalist (14th place), Dramatic Interpretation
  • Alexander Ahenkora – ranked in the Top 30, Poetry Reading

Barringer High School – Michael Sowell, Coach

  • Britney Deer – ranked in the Top 24 in the Poetry and Prose categories

University High School – Saul Grullon, Coach

  • Michaela White – Quarterfinalist, Program of Oral Interpretation
  • Malakai Yepes – Octofinalist, Program of Oral Interpretation
  • Dante Elliott & Josmauel Deleon – Octofinalists, Duo Interpretation

Science Park High School Middle Schoolers – Jonathan Alston

  • Amoor Smith & Vitor Guimaraes – Quarterfinalists, Policy Debate
  • Amoor Smith – 6th Place, Speaker
  • Vitor Guimaraes – 7th Place, Speaker

About Newark Public Schools

The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676.  The District currently enrolls over 41,000 students in 64 schools.  After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983

Three District Students Break District’s Championship Barrier By Winning First Place at the Tournament of Champions

Three District Students Break District’s Championship Barrier By Winning First Place at the Tournament of Champions

Students from Barringer, Central, and University High Schools win at prestigious national tournament

LEXINGTON, KY – For as long as Newark Public Schools students have been involved in speech and debate competitions, a first place win at the University of Kentucky’s Tournament of Champions has eluded the district – until now.

Three outstanding students have earned three national championships at the Tournament of Champions.

Central High School’s Jamal Kirton and Jahnaiya Simpson won national championships in the tournament’s Dramatic Interpretation and Oral Interpretation categories, respectively. Dennis Philbert coaches the Central High School students.

University High School’s Michaela White, coached by Saul Grullon, won the national championship in the Program of Oral Interpretation category.

The tournament is regarded as the nation’s most prestigious and competitive high school speech and debate championship. Competing students must qualify for the event by earning bids through top performances at other elite tournaments held during the school year.

“For high school forensics students, qualifying for the Tournament of Champions is considered a great achievement and we are very proud of the record number of participating students and their performance,” said Superintendent León. “To have three students win championships is truly historic and represents a high-water mark in the district’s speech and debate programs.”

“This is a groundbreaking achievement for our district and the City of Newark,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “It is a powerful testament to our students’ talent, their hard work, and the strength of our academic and extracurricular programs. This is what happens when we invest in our students and believe in their limitless potential.”

Other notable finalists at the Tournament of Champions were the following:

Barringer High School

Britney Deer won second place in the Dramatic Interpretation category. Michel Sowell is the Barringer High School coach.

Central High School

Jamal Kirton won third place in the Oral Interpretation category, Ayomide Adekoya and Cassidy Harris won fourth place in the Duo Interpretation category, and Cassidy Harris and Jahnaiya Simpson were semifinalists in the Dramatic Interpretation category.

University High School

Malakai Yepes won second place in Oral Interpretation and fifth place in the Program of Oral Interpretation category. Dante Elliott and Solim Agbada won third place and fifth place, respectively, in Dramatic Interpretation. Yepes and Michaela White won second place, and Dante Elliott and Josmanuel De Leon won third place in Duo Interpretation. Michael Adeleke was a semifinalist in Oral Interpretation.

About Newark Public Schools

The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676.  The District currently enrolls over 41,000 students in 64 schools.  After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983

NBOE Celebrates Remarkable National Achievements in Speech and Debate

Picture from left to right: Luis Rivas (Central High assistant coach), Dennis Philbert (Central Coach), Ayomide Adekoya (11th Grade Central), Miriam Divo (12th Grade Central), Rebekah Edohwokui (11th Grade Central), Malakai Yepes (11th Grade University), Saul Grullon (Coach University), Michaela White (11th Grade University), Isiah Briggs (University Assistant Coach), Devane Murphy (Science Park Alumni, Former College Debate National Champion, Current Associate Director of Debate at the University of Kentucky)

The Department of Teaching and Learning at Newark Public Schools proudly highlights the recent achievements of  its speech and debate teams. Following their outstanding performances at the 52nd Tournament of Champions and the National Catholic Forensics League's National Championship, teams are now gearing up for the National Speech and Debate Association National Championships, scheduled for June 15-22 in Des Moines, Iowa. During the Tournament of Champions, in which only the best in the nation are invited to compete, hosted by the University of Kentucky, NBOE teams showcased exceptional skill and dedication, achieving their best results in the history of Newark attending the tournament. Under the experienced guidance of Coach Dennis K. Philbert, Central High School's Miriam Divo and Rebekah Edohwoku delivered stellar performances in Duo and Oral Interpretation, earning national acclaim and securing 2nd place. Central also took home 4th and 6th place finishes in other categories alongside University High School. The speech team from University High, led by Coach Saul Grullon in its inaugural year, had extraordinary success, with Malakai Yepes and Michaela White excelling in Duo Interpretation and coming in 5th place. The success continued at the National Catholic Forensics League's National Championship, where Mariam Divo from Central High School claimed 3rd place as National Champion in Dramatic Performance, among other impressive late-elimination appearances by Central and University High School achievements by District students.

As NBOE high school teams continue to excel nationally, it is with great excitement to announce that Peshine School will represent Newark at the Middle School portion of NSDA nationals. This inclusion highlights the broad scope of the speech and debate programs, which extend from elementary through high school levels. These outstanding results testify to the support facilitated by the partnership with Newark Debate Academy. Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in integrating speech and debate education into the academic curriculum, creating a nurturing environment that encourages students to excel academically and personally in every aspect of their instruction.