District Speech & Debate Teams Win Five State Championships

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.