On Saturday, October 17, 2015 West Side High School hosted a debate tournament that included Newark Public Schools own Barringer, East Side, Science Park, University and Newark Early College High Schools as well as out of district schools Newark Academy, North Star High School, West Orange High School, and Mount Vernon High School. Out of the 140 participants, West Side High School won first and second place and ultimately won the competition outright.

“Our students were not known to the judges, but blew them away through their preparation, powerful speeches and arguments”, said Mr. Brent Farrand, Mr. Farrand, the Debate Director for West Side High School. "Confronted by some teams that were 20 strong, our students held their own and brought it!"

Congratulations to the West Side High School debate team members, Michael Lawrence, Rouwaida Nitiema, Kasson Chapman, and Michelle Bamidele. These "Rough Riders" brought recognition and victory to West Side High School and helped perpetuate the notion that as "Rough Riders”, they are not afraid to take on any challenge.