Press Releases

District Speech & Debate Teams Win Five State Championships

District Speech & Debate Teams Win Five State Championships

Students from Arts, Barringer, Central, Science Park, and University high schools are among the tournament’s competitors

FLEMINGTON, N.J. – Newark Public Schools’ student debaters and orators from five District high schools with first-place wins in five categories at the New Jersey Speech and Debate League’s state championships.

Mofoluwa Olagadeyo and Risiqat Adeniji of Science Park High School won the state championship in the tournament’s Policy Debate category. Jonathan Alston coaches the Science Park students.

Barringer High School’s Britney Deer, coached by Michael Sowell, won the state title in the Declamation category.

In a rare sweep, Central High School students won the top four places in Dramatic Interpretation, with Jamal Kirton winning the state championship and Cassidy Harris, Ayomide Adekoya, and Jahnaiya Simpson winning second, third, and fourth place, respectively, in the same category.

Rebekah Edohwokui, coached by Dennis K. Philbert, brought more honors to Central High School as she won the state championship in the Interpretation category.

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

Each state champion received The Governor’s Medal, a proclamation from the governor, and a scholarship.

“All I can say is, ‘Wow!’” said Superintendent León, who was a state champion debater when he was a student at Science High School (now Science Park High School). “Winning five state titles in multiple categories showcases their individual excellence and the strength of our debate and speech programs across Newark Public Schools. I commend the students, their coaches, and their schools for their commitment to excellence and for representing Newark with pride and distinction.”

“Our student debaters and orators have demonstrated remarkable skill, confidence, and perseverance in achieving these state championship victories,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “On behalf of the Newark Board of Education, I congratulate these outstanding students and their exceptional coaches for making our district proud and proving that Newark’s voices are strong, powerful, and championship-worthy.”

Other notable finalists at the tournament were the following:

Arts High School

Kamira Hall won second place in the Oral Interpretation category, and her teammates, Amilah Stuart and Bariah Cox, won fifth and sixth place, respectively, in the Improvisational Acting category. David Richardson coaches the Arts High School students.

Central High School

Jahnaiya Simpson won third place in Oral Interpretation, and Jamal Kirton won sixth place in the Humorous Interpretation category.

Science Park High School

Ashley Lourenco and Anna Odra won second place in the Policy Debate category.

University High School

Malakai Yepes and Michaela White won second place, and Dante Elliott and Josmanuel De Leon won fifth place, in Duo Interpretation. Luis Franco won third place, and Josmanuel De Leon won fifth place in the Declamation category.

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 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

Science Park High School Student Zuri McCune Promoting Student Voter Registration

Science Park High School Student Zuri McCune Promoting Student Voter Registration

Students who will be 16 or older on April 15 can register through March 25

NEWARK, N.J. – As the Newark Board of Education approaches its first election in which the voting age is 16, Newark Public Schools officials today released a video promoting student voter registration.

“This is the first time Newark students can have a voice in the decisions that affect us the most,” says Zuri McCune, the student representative to the Board of Education in the 40-second spot. “Don’t miss this chance. Let your voice be heard.”

Play Video

The video, which was written and produced by the District’s Communications Department, has been uploaded to the District’s website and Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts. More information about student voter registration is available at the following link:

https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/events/vote-16-registration-deadline/

“I encourage everyone in Newark Public Schools to watch and share this video to help make sure that eligible students register by March 25th,” said Superintendent León. “Never before have high school students in New Jersey had the chance to participate in their local democracy like what’s happening in Newark this year.. It is my hope that all eligible students will register and cast their ballots in the upcoming school board election as a start to a lifelong commitment to voting.”

“This is a historic moment for Newark’s students,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “I strongly encourage every eligible student to take advantage of this opportunity, register by March 25th, and show up to vote. Our young people have powerful voices, and this election is their chance to make them count.”

District Releases Video Promoting Student Voter Registration

Students who will be 16 or older on April 15 can register through March 25

NEWARK, N.J. – As the Newark Board of Education approaches its first election in which the voting age is 16, Newark Public Schools officials today released a video promoting student voter registration.

“This is the first time Newark students can have a voice in the decisions that affect us the most,” says Zuri McCune, the student representative to the Board of Education in the 40-second spot. “Don’t miss this chance. Let your voice be heard.”

The video, which was written and produced by the District’s Communications Department, has been uploaded to the District’s website and Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts. More information about student voter registration is available at the following link:

https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/events/vote-16-registration-deadline/

“I encourage everyone in Newark Public Schools to watch and share this video to help make sure that eligible students register by March 25th,” said Superintendent León. “Never before have high school students in New Jersey had the chance to participate in their local democracy like what’s happening in Newark this year.. It is my hope that all eligible students will register and cast their ballots in the upcoming school board election as a start to a lifelong commitment to voting.”

“This is a historic moment for Newark’s students,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “I strongly encourage every eligible student to take advantage of this opportunity, register by March 25th, and show up to vote. Our young people have powerful voices, and this election is their chance to make them count.”

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 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.

Student Authors Honored For Telling Their Stories Of Coming To The United States

Student Authors Honored For Telling Their Stories Of Coming To The United States

The student-authors of We Were Strangers Once, Too with District and school officials, and Board of Education Members.
The student-authors of We Were Strangers Once, Too with District and school officials, and Board of Education Members.

58 students’ personal accounts published as “We Were Strangers Once, Too” anthology

NEWARK, N.J. – Superintendent León, Assistant Superintendent Maria Ortiz, and Principal Darleen Gearhart welcomed Congresswoman LaMonica McIver to Science Park High School on Friday for a special event honoring the 58 student authors of We Were Strangers Once, Too.

The book is a collection of first-person stories of coming to the United States written by students who live throughout the city. Shawn Adler, an award-winning English Language Arts and AP Psychology teacher, edited the stories.

“Look at what you have done. You have become authors,” said Adler, speaking from the podium to his students. “No matter what anyone tells you, your words and ideas can change the world. Your stories are proof of that.”

“This book is an acknowledgement, not only of you but of where you’ve been,” said Superintendent León, a Science Park High School alumnus, as he spoke to the gathering of student authors. “I am immensely proud of your hard work, commitment to excellence, and ongoing understanding about the importance of who you are.”

“These stories highlight the sobering reality for many migrants who leave their home country in pursuit of a better life here in America. But these stories also highlight something else – hope,” said Congresswoman McIver, an alumna of Central High School. “Your words have power. You have given voice to your journeys. You have created a bridge of empathy that can connect us all.”

Board of Education President Hasani K. Council and Board Member Kanileah Anderson were also impressed by the work of the young writers.

“We are incredibly proud of the students who have contributed to the collected works, We Were Strangers Once, Too,” President Council said. “Their courage in sharing their personal migration stories not only reflects their resilience but also strengthens our community by fostering understanding and empathy. These young authors remind us that storytelling is a powerful tool to build bridges and create meaningful connections. We commend their resilience, creativity, and commitment to inspiring change through their words.”

Two student authors read their stories aloud at the gathering on Friday. One wrote about his uncle, who was lost while making the journey to the United States from Peru. Another recalled the items she chose to pack – among them, a picture of her family and her favorite bedtime storybook – after her father said they needed to flee a dangerous situation at their home in Ecuador.

Science Park High School Principal Darleen Gearhart said that reading many of the students’ narratives moved her to tears, and she recognized the students for their resilience and tenacity in putting their experiences in writing.

“Your stories and who you are as people is inspiring to all of us,” Gearhart said. “It’s inspiring all of the people in this room to be better people.”

We Were Strangers Once, Too was originally published in April 2024. The collection of stories represents students from eight Newark high schools who came from 24 different countries. Each of the student authors received royalty checks from sales of the book, which is sold on Amazon at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2GJMDN3

From left, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maria Ortiz, Superintendent León, Principal Darleen Gearhart, and Teacher Shawn Adler.
From left, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maria Ortiz, Superintendent León, Principal Darleen Gearhart, and Teacher Shawn Adler.
Congresswoman LaMonica McIver delivers her remarks.
Congresswoman LaMonica McIver delivers her remarks.
Teacher Shawn Adler, seated, fist-bumps one of his students who contributed to We Were Strangers Once, Too.
Teacher Shawn Adler, seated, fist-bumps one of his students who contributed to We Were Strangers Once, Too.
Board of Education President Hasani K. Council perusing a copy of We Were Strangers Once, Too.
Board of Education President Hasani K. Council perusing a copy of We Were Strangers Once, Too.

Two Science Park High School Students Receive Full College Scholarships

: Iyiola Ajanaku, left, and Ashley Lourenco.

Iyiola Ajanaku will attend Brown University, Ashley Lourenco will go to Amherst College

NEWARK, N.J. – District officials announced today that two Science Park High School seniors have been awarded full scholarships for college. The QuestBridge Scholarship Program, a nonprofit organization that provides higher education opportunities to high-achieving students from low-income families, has provided the scholarships.

Iyiola Ajanaku, 17, will attend Brown University in Rhode Island, and Ashley Lourenco will go to Amherst College in Massachusetts.

“It means a million doors have opened up in my life,” Iyiola said about her college acceptance and scholarship. “Being able to go to such a well-known and academically rigorous institution will strengthen me as a person and bring my life to the next level. I am so incredibly grateful. It is such a huge blessing.”

“I am very excited to have received this amazing opportunity,” said Ashley. “I can focus on my academics at a great college without having to worry about debt.”

“We are immensely proud of Iyiola and Ashley for their remarkable achievements in earning QuestBridge scholarships. Their hard work, determination, and excellence are an inspiration to all of us in the Newark Public Schools community,” said Superintendent León. “We are excited to see all that they will accomplish as they embark on this next chapter at Brown and Amherst. Congratulations to Iyiola, Ashley, their families, and the dedicated teachers, school counselors, and mentors who have supported them along the way."

“I want to congratulate Iyiola and Ashley on being awarded these prestigious QuestBridge scholarships, said Hasani K. Council, President of the Board of Education. “Their accomplishments exemplify the talent and potential of our students here in Newark. We commend their perseverance, celebrate their achievements, and look forward to seeing the incredible impact they will make in their future endeavors.”

“Iyiola and Ashley are two exemplary students who have been consistently bringing pride to the Science Park High School community,” said Darleen L. Gearhart, Principal of Science Park High School. “I am very proud of both of these outstanding students and look forward to witnessing their impact on the world.”

Iyiola Ajanaku

Ajanaku was born in Newark and lives with her family who came to the United States from Nigeria in the early 2000s. She said the International Baccalaureate program was the main reason she wanted to attend Science Park High School, as well as the school’s focus on science and the diversity of students. Ajanaku swims on the school’s swim team and she co-founded the school’s Culture Club.

“I decided to make a safe space where people can come and learn about each other while also learning about countries,” she said.

At Brown, Ajanaku intends to major in computational biology, which uses mathematical and computational approaches to address theoretical and experimental questions in biology, according to the NIH. For Ajanaku, the major will allow her to use her skills in working with data and data modeling to help answer questions related to biology, specifically health care.

“I work really well with databases and interpreting data to help solve problems,” she said.

Ashley Lourenco

Lourenco has gained significant notoriety as a national champion debater, being the first in the high school’s history to win the New York City Invitational Debate and Speech Tournament’s Lincoln-Douglas Debate event and the tournament’s award for best speaker.  

Lourenco, also a lifelong Newark resident, previously attended the Ann Street School, where her mother, Ione Dearruda, is a teacher, and her younger brother and sister are students. Her father is a construction worker.

Lourenco is interested in pursuing political science or law, considering law school as one pathway, but is also open to journalism or nonprofit work.

When she has a bit of time to relax, Lourenco enjoys watching stand-up comedy on YouTube, counting John Mulaney as one of her favorite comedians.

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 39,000 students in 63 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’s Science Park High School Named A State Finalist In Samsung’s Solve For Tomorrow Contest

From left, Biology Teacher Wahab Ashraf, Collins Esubonteng (10th grade), Rachael Montes, Sara Delgado-Rengel (10th grade), Naysa Toussaint (12th grade), Zuri McCune (12th grade), Sophia Brandao (12th grade), Hunter Chambers (12th grade), Jerome Wakefield (12th grade), Talia Caguana (12th grade), Gianel Solano-Aguilar (11th grade), Physics Teacher Devin Mejias.

School is among 300 state finalists throughout the nation

NEWARK, N.J. – A team of students from Science Park High School has been selected as one of 300 state finalists throughout the nation in Samsung’s “Solve for Tomorrow” contest. This $3 million national competition encourages students in grades 6 to 12 to creatively use science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills to solve a community challenge.

The students’ engineering and sustainability project involves extracting cellulose from paper waste and converting it into thread. The goal is to use the thread to create textiles. The participating students are:

  • Sophia Brandao, 12th grade
  • Talia Caguana, 12th grade
  • Hunter Chambers, 12 grade
  • Sara Delgado-Renegel, 10th grade
  • Collins Esubonteng, 10th grade
  • Zuri McCune, 12th grade
  • Rachel Montes, 10th grade
  • Gianel Solano-Aguilar, 11th grade
  • Naysa Toussaint, 12th grade
  • Jerome Wakefield, 12th grade

The students’ faculty advisors are Biology Teacher Wahab Ashraf and Physics Teacher Devin Mejias.

As a state finalist, Science Park High School will receive a $2,500 prize package, including Samsung products and classroom resources, to complete their activity plan submission. The school has the opportunity to advance through future phases of the contest to win additional prizes. The Science Park High School team must submit a plan to implement their proposal by January 9th. 

“We are tremendously proud of our young scientists who are developing a new more sustainable way to create textiles, which could potentially impact our entire world,” said Superintendent León. “I thank their teachers and administrators who have made our students’ participation in the ‘Solve For Tomorrow’ contest possible, and I wish our students the best of luck as they move onto the next phase of the competition.”

“We are thrilled by our students who have reached this exciting milestone in Samsung’s ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ contest,” said Hasani K. Council, president of the Newark Board of Education. “Their innovative project exemplifies the creativity, ingenuity, and determination that define Newark’s students. We look forward to supporting the team as they continue to represent our district on this national stage.”

“Our students have been working hard to develop their ideas and compete in the “Solve For Tomorrow” competition,” said Darleen Gearhart, principal of Science Park High School. “I greatly appreciate the guidance and assistance of their faculty advisors, as well as the great pride the entire team has brought to their school.”

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 39,000 students in 63 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