Newark Students Excel at Harvard University National High School Speech & Debate Tournament

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – Newark Public Schools students delivered an extraordinary performance at the prestigious Harvard University National High School Speech and Debate Tournament, earning top finishes, advancing to elimination rounds, and receiving individual speaker awards across multiple competitive categories.

Representing Arts, Barringer, Central, Science Park, and University High Schools, students competed against some of the most accomplished debaters and speakers from across the nation. Their collective success reflects the strength of Newark Public Schools’ growing speech and debate programs and the discipline and preparation of the district’s scholars and coaches.

“To compete at Harvard University against the best high school debaters in the nation and to emerge as finalists, top speakers, and elimination-round contenders is what we do,” said Superintendent León. “These achievements demonstrate the intellectual power, discipline, and preparation of Newark Public Schools students. Our high school students are in the game – they are leading on the national stage.”

“Our Newark Public Schools students have distinguished themselves among the best speech and debate competitors in the country,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “These students are showing that brilliance lives within our students and our city. Their preparation, poise, and performance reflect the power of opportunity, strong coaching, and the belief that our students belong in every room where ideas matter.

Science Park High School – Jonathan Alston, Coach

• Risiqat Adeniji and Mofoluwa Olagadeyo, 2nd Place, Policy Debate
• Anne-Blessing Odra and Moyinoluwa Olagadeyo, Octofinalists, Policy Debate
• Mofoluwa Olagadeyo, 1st Place, Speaker
• Risiqat Adeniji, 2nd Place, Speaker
• Moyinoluwa Olagadeyo, 14th Place, Speaker
• Anne-Blessing Odra, 25th Place, Speaker

Central High School – Dennis Philbert, Coach

• Winal Tineo, Quarterfinalist, Dramatic Interpretation
• Jamal Kirton, Octofinalist, Dramatic Interpretation
• Champion Allwell, Octofinalist, Dramatic Interpretation
• Winal Tineo and Isaiah Fleurant, Quarterfinalists, Duo Interpretation
• Jamal Kirton and Serenity Bradshaw, Octofinalists, Duo Interpretation
• Jadesola Olakunle, Quarterfinalist, Program of Oral Interpretation

University High School – Saul Grullon, Coach

• Dante Elliott, Semifinalist, Dramatic Interpretation
• Jazzlee Usher, Quarterfinalist, Dramatic Interpretation
• Jada Peralta, Octofinalist, Dramatic Interpretation
• Dante Elliott and Josmanuel DeLeon, Quarterfinalists, Duo Interpretation
• Jazzlee Usher, Octofinalist, Program of Oral Interpretation

Barringer High School – Michael Sowell, Coach

• Sheekira King, Octofinalist, Impromptu Speaking
• Britney Deer, Octofinalist, Original Oratory
• Toumaye Siripe, Double Octofinalist, Original Oratory

Arts High School – David Richardson, Coach

• Malahki Hansard and AngelDavid Chamorro Torres, Octofinalists, Duo Interpretation

The Harvard University National High School Speech and Debate Tournament is widely regarded as one of the most competitive invitational tournaments in the country. Newark Public School’s strong showing continues a tradition of national excellence and reflects the district’s commitment to cultivating student voice, critical thinking, and academic achievement.