Students from Barringer, Central, and University High Schools earn bids for the national Tournament of Champions
NEW HAVEN, CONN. – Ten Newark Public Schools students earned high honors at the Yale Debate Association’s 33rd Annual Yale Invitational High School Tournament, taking home awards in five categories.
The Yale Invitational, which was held at Yale University from September 19th to 21st, is one of the most competitive early-season tournaments in the nation, drawing hundreds of top high school debaters from across the country.
University High School’s Jade Peralta and Barringer High School’s Britney Deer made history as the first students from their respective schools to reach the finals at the Yale tournament. They, along with Central High School’s Jamal Kirton and Champion Allwell, received invitations to compete at the national Tournament of Champions at the University of Kentucky in 2026.
University High School also earned the distinction of having the most students advance to the semifinals, with five students placing among the top 12 in their categories.
“Our students continue to prove that Newark sits on the national stage in academics and competition,” said Superintendent León. “Their success at Yale is a testament to their talent, their coaches’ dedication, and the strength of our schools.”
“We are proud to celebrate these students for representing Newark with excellence,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Achievements like this remind us of the brilliance and determination within our district.”
Top Awards
Central High School
- Jamal Kirton and Champion Allwell – 2nd place, Duo Interpretation (Coach: Dennis Philbert
Barringer High School
- Britney Deer – 2nd place, Oratory (Coach: Michael Sowell)
University High School
- Jade Peralta – 6th place, Dramatic Interpretation (Coach: Saul Grullon)
Semifinalists
Central High School
- Jamal Kirton – Semifinalist, Dramatic Interpretation
University High School
- Dante Elliott & Josmanuel De Leon – Semifinalists, Dramatic Interpretation
- Belonica Maceno & Luis Franco – Semifinalists, Oral Interpretation
- Jovany Hinds – Semifinalist, Humorous Interpretation
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 41,000 students in 65 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened eleven 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