After A Tough First Year, The Data Science Circuits Are Heading To The State Esports Tournament

Team qualifies for playoffs after winning five consecutive matches

NEWARK, NJ – Last year, the Circuits were celebrated as the Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology’s new Esports team. After that, there wasn’t much to celebrate. The team lost every match.

What a difference a year makes. This week, the 5-2 Data Science Circuits were notified that they qualified for the Garden State Esports statewide tournament and will enter the playoffs. The announcement comes after the Circuits have won five consecutive matches, bringing the team’s current ranking to No. 5 in Group 1 of the High School Rocket League.

On November 23rd, three Data Science Circuits team members – Josmel Nat-Cole, Joshua Ray, and Dylan Quieros – will compete live in front of 2,000 people at Georgian Court University.

“I want to congratulate the Data Science High School Circuits for their outstanding achievement in qualifying for the Garden State Esports statewide tournament,” said Superintendent León. “Their hard work, dedication, and resilience after last year’s challenges have paid off, and winning five consecutive matches is truly remarkable. I want to thank Coach Joseph Lima and Dr. Liana Summey, Principal of Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology, and everyone who helped bring the excitement of esports to the high school.”

“The entire Newark Public Schools community is proud of what the Data Science Circuits have accomplished and the trail they are blazing for future esports enthusiasts,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “We look forward to cheering you on as you compete in the Garden State Esports statewide tournament on November 23rd.”

Instrumental in the establishment of Esports at the Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology was District Supervisor of Educational Technology Elizabeth Majano in partnership The Loyalty Foundation, a nonprofit that is dedicated to promoting equity in the use of technology in schools.