Newark Public Schools Student Debaters Reach New Heights On National Stage

LEXINGTON, KY. – Two Science Park High School seniors, Risiqat Adeniji and Mofoluwa Olagadeyo, have etched their names into Newark Public Schools history by ranking among the top eight policy debate teams in the United States after advancing to the quarterfinals at the prestigious National High School Tournament of Champions.

This victory came two weeks after Adeniji and Olagadeyo were officially ranked as the second-best team in the country at the National Debate Coaches Association Tournament for the 2025 - 2026 School Year, as well as making it to the final round of the National Debate Coaches Association National Championship Tournament.

“These are feats that have never been done before in policy debate in the history of Newark Public Schools. No school in New Jersey has achieved any of these things in this decade,” said Jonathan Alston, Science Park High School Debate Coach. “Competing so successfully on the national level requires so much physical and emotional energy that even qualifying to the National High School Tournament of Champions is a huge accomplishment.”

Widely regarded as the most competitive high school debate tournament in the world, the Tournament of Champions represents the culmination of the national debate season. Fewer than 90 policy debate teams qualify each year, making participation alone a significant accomplishment.

“This is a historic achievement that reflects the extraordinary talent of our students, and their relentless work ethic and intellectual discipline,” said Superintendent León, who was a competitive debater and the New Jersey State Debate Champion as a Science High School student. “Risiqat and Mofoluwa have demonstrated what is possible when students are challenged, supported, and inspired to compete at the highest levels in the nation. I want to thank Mr. Alston, his team, and everyone who works with them to bring out the best in our debate champions.”

“We are enormously proud of Risiqat and Mofoluwa for representing Newark Public Schools with excellence on the national stage,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Their success is a testament to the strength of our academic programs and the opportunities we are creating for students to excel in highly competitive arenas.”

Adeniji and Olagadeyo have dedicated years to mastering the craft of debate—Adeniji for six years, beginning in middle school, and Olagadeyo for four—culminating in what is widely considered the most successful policy debate partnership in Science Park High School’s 46-year history.

Their journey has also been shaped by the mentorship of Science Park High School alumna Temitope Ogundare, who has worked closely with the team over the past three years. Her guidance has played a vital role in helping Adeniji and Olagadeyo reach the pinnacle of national competition, Alston said.

“This moment is the result of years of sacrifice, preparation, and perseverance,” said Science Park High School Principal Darleen L. Gearhart. “They have set a new standard of excellence for our school and inspired the next generation of student debaters.”