We are thrilled to announce that the Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology’s esports team, The Circuits, has earned a spot in the state playoffs!
This Saturday, November 23, The Circuits will compete in the Garden State Esports Statewide Tournament at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ. More than 2,000 enthusiastic esports fans are expected to watch as the top high school and middle school teams face off in Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., and League of Legends for 10 championship titles.
Chris Aviles, founder of the Garden State Esports League, praised The Circuits as an exciting addition to the league, highlighting their impressive performance. “They’ve been taking games off nearly every opponent, making them a team to watch—and one with the potential to achieve something remarkable at the tournament,” Aviles noted.
Aviles also recalled the incredible energy at a recent esports event at Payne Tech High School, where the crowd’s cheers were so loud that attendees’ Apple Watches triggered decibel warnings.
GO CIRCUITS!
Above: The moment The Circuits won their last game of the season against West Deptford High School, qualifying the team to play in the Garden State Esports Statewide Tournament.
The Circuits program began in Spring 2023, when The Loyalty Foundation launched the Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology’s first-ever esports program. This groundbreaking initiative marked a significant milestone for Newark Public Schools. The Loyalty Foundation is now expanding the district’s esports program, with a new team currently in development at East Side High School.
Watch our video about The Circuits on the Newark Board of Education website [here].
For more details, read the Newark Board of Education press release below.
Posted on November 8, 2024
Team qualifies for playoffs after winning five consecutive matches
NEWARK, NJ – Last year, the Circuits were celebrated as the Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology’s new Esports team. After that, there wasn’t much to celebrate. The team lost every match.
What a difference a year makes. This week, the 5-2 Data Science Circuits were notified that they qualified for the Garden State Esports statewide tournament and will enter the playoffs. The announcement comes after the Circuits have won five consecutive matches, bringing the team’s current ranking to No. 5 in Group 1 of the High School Rocket League.
On November 23rd, three Data Science Circuits team members – Josmel Nat-Cole, Joshua Ray, and Dylan Quieros – will compete live in front of 2,000 people at Georgian Court University.
CLICK HERE for a video of the announcement from the Garden State Esports.
“I want to congratulate the Data Science High School Circuits for their outstanding achievement in qualifying for the Garden State Esports statewide tournament,” said Superintendent León. “Their hard work, dedication, and resilience after last year’s challenges have paid off, and winning five consecutive matches is truly remarkable. I want to thank Coach Joseph Lima and Dr. Liana Summey, Principal of Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology, and everyone who helped bring the excitement of esports to the high school.”
“The entire Newark Public Schools community is proud of what the Data Science Circuits have accomplished and the trail they are blazing for future esports enthusiasts,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “We look forward to cheering you on as you compete in the Garden State Esports statewide tournament on November 23rd.”
Instrumental in the establishment of Esports at the Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology was District Supervisor of Educational Technology Elizabeth Majano in partnership The Loyalty Foundation, a nonprofit that is dedicated to promoting equity in the use of technology in schools.
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 39,000 students in 63 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten 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. https://www.nps.k12.nj.us
About Newark School of Data Science and Information Technology (from their website)
The School of Data Science and Information Technology seeks to prepare the next generation of research scientists and information technology professionals with the expertise to bring about organizational and technological change in all aspects of their community. We prepare students for immediate college and career opportunities by combining the most innovative curriculum in data science with cutting-edge, industry-standard technology. https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/data-science/
About Garden State Esports (from their website)
"A nonprofit founded by educators, we are the organizing body of scholastic esports for NJ schools. Join more than 300 schools and 12,000+ students. Connect, Compete, and Learn with GSE. Discover the future of education through gaming." https://gsesports.org
About The Loyalty Foundation
The Loyalty Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 2019 by former prosecutor at the Manhattan DA’s office, David Neeman. The foundation provides free laptop computers and Out of School Time (OST) esports and technology education programs to K-12 students in under-resourced communities across the U.S.
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