Four District High Schools will be represented in Chicago tournament this May
NEWARK, N.J. – Students from four district high schools have qualified for the National Catholic Forensic League’s Grand National Tournament, which will be held in Chicago in May.
“This is the largest group of students that we have ever sent to this event,” said Dennis Philbert, the speech coach for Central High School. “All of the schools’ coaches and students met over the summer for an entire month. That helped our students prepare early and it gave them the strength to do what they are doing now.”
The district students earned their way to the national tournament by competing against qualifying students from throughout New Jersey at a day-long tournament Saturday at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains. Schools from as far west as Randolph and Mountain Lakes participated in the tournament.
Superintendent León congratulated the students and their coaches.
“We are incredibly proud of our students for their outstanding achievements in speech, qualifying for the NCFL Grand National Tournament,” said Superintendent León, a former Science High School Debate Team member and New Jersey state champion himself. “I can personally attest to the life-long value of the skills students develop by participating in speech and debate tournaments, and it is so gratifying to see so many of our students excelling in speech and debate on a national level. I greatly appreciate their hard work, dedication, and the training they receive from their coaches. We all look forward to seeing them represent our district nationally.”
Board of Education President Hasani K. Council also offer his congratulations.
“The success of these students in qualifying for the NCFL Grand National Tournament is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for Newark Public Schools,” said President Council. “Their dedication to excellence in speech and debate showcases the power of education, mentorship, and perseverance. On behalf of the Board of Education, I commend the students, their coaches, and their schools for this outstanding accomplishment. We are thrilled to have them represent our district on the national stage.”
The Newark Public Schools students who qualified are:
Arts High School – David Richardson, Coach
- Kamira Hall
- Estefani Gonzalas-Caguana
Barringer High School – Michael Sowell, Coach
- Toumaye Siripe
Central High School - Dennis Philbert, Coach
- Ayomide Adekoya
- Alexander Ahenkora
- Wakeel Balogun
- Diana Bryant
- Rebekah Edohwokui
- Cassidy Harris
- Jamal Kirton
- Jahnaiya Simpson
- Champion Allwell - 1st Alternate
University High School – Saul Grullon, Coach
- Michael Adeleke
- Solim Agbada
- Mary Aribo
- Josmanuel Deleon
- Dante Elliott
- Michaela White
- Malakai Yepes
- Josephine Aryeh - 2nd Alternate
- Lizbeth Santana - 2nd Alternate
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