November 17, 2010 - With over 120 teams competing from 19 elementary schools, the Jersey Urban Debate League hosted the largest middle school tournament in the country on Nov. 13. The league has been attracting the attention of its youngest students- Newark's rising 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders since 2002. The overwhelmingly large tournament is a testament to the dedication of the league's coaches, directors, and judges who help push the students to academic achievement and keep them coming back.

The tournament, held at Central High School, marked a historic moment for urban debate league that shows the tremendous growth of the league. That growth has shown itself with not just more debaters joining, but new coaches. The league has ten new middle school coaches, bringing the total to 23. Among that pool are Justin Mohren of Science Park High School and Edwina Mitchell of Alexander Street School.

Over 240 Middle Grade Debaters compete in Newark - Nov 13, 2010

Coach Mohren, a world history teacher at Science Park, started coaching in October. With no prior debate experience, but a history background, he stepped forward after being asked by some of the league's current coaches.

"It's been fun watching the kids learn- they're like sponges," Mohren said. "I felt lost at first because I didn't know if I should focus on content or public speaking strategies."

Coach Mitchell, a mathematics, science, and health teacher in the Newark Public Schools for 11 years, offered to coach after the previous one left.

"Alexander Street had an exemplary team and the person moved on to another school, so I picked up the baton," Michell said. "With no coach, so many children would have been with no voice."

She said the most rewarding part of coaching debate is "engaging students in dialogue that solves problems."

Carl Cimiluca, a seasoned coach of nine years at First Ave, debated in high school and has been with the league since its inception.

"I love the thrill of competition," Cimiluca said on staying involved. "I love watching the kids who were not into it, do a debate, and get hooked."

Science Park and First Ave take first

In the beginner division Tanasia Brown and SunHee Simon from Science Park took first place, with Nairn Choudhury and Ishaq Shah from Mt. Vernon following a close second.

In the experienced division Nyasia Sanchez and Joshua Azcona from First Ave came in first place team with Brian Druciak and Bruno Fernandes placing second with only a point and a half between them.

"As a new debate coach," Michelle said, " I was impressed by how tight the program is. It came with a purpose, an overwhelming culture to win. It's an exciting breeding ground to develop skills and have communication. [JUDL] has implemented the program very well."

Top 10 Beginnner Speakers*

lshaq Shah - Mt Vernon
SunHee Simon - Science Park
Kenza Bouanane - Wilson Ave
Evana Emile - ML King ES
Ariana Ramos - Wilson Ave
Julie Johnson - Sussex
Alero Omatseye Mt Vernon
Evelyn Figoroa - Sussex
Arthur Zaharko - Science Park
Jaynell Lewis - ML King

*Out of almost 200 speakers!

Top 10 Beginner Teams**

Science Park - Tanasia Brown & SunHee Simon
Mt Vernon - Nairn Choudhury & Ishaq Shah
Wilson Ave - Kenza Bouanane & Tania Gafanha
Mt Vernon - Darryn Brown & Alero Omatseye
University/Sussex - Da'Neisha McGaskiee & Evelyn Figoroa
Camden Middle - Al-Wafiq Olawepo & Donovan Seshie
Wilson Ave - Keven Gomescoello & Laura Meneses
Mt Vernon - Maryum Bhatti & Laura Gould
Science Park - Adrian Romero & Abubakrsideeq Waziri
Peshine Ave - Tanaja Mercer & Nakayla Griffin

**Out of almost 100 teams!

Top 10 Experienced Speakers

Bruno Fernandes - Wilson Ave
Joshua Azcona - First Ave
Javon Ross - 13th Ave
Nyasia Sanchez - First Ave
Khadija Bhatti - Mt Vernon
Brian Druciak - Wilson Ave
Nicholas Ayala - Robert Treat
Katherine Mandoza - First Ave
Hifza Rathore - Mt Vernon
Saher Khan - Mt Vernon

Top 10 Experienced Teams

First Ave - Nyasia Sanchez & Joshua Azcona
Wilson Ave - Brian Druciak & Bruno Fernandes
Mt Vernon - Khadija Bhatti & Hifza Rathore
Robert Treat - JayShawn Fuller & McAfee Sheehan
R Hernandez - Luis Cruz & Karen Rios
13th Ave - Javon Ross & TaJananae Barlow
First Ave - Katherine Mandoza & Adaobi Ikejiofor
R Hernandez - MaIoni Jones & Josue Vargas
Peshine Ave - Nasir Alston & Conrad Mccutcheon
Wilson Ave - Mathues Goncalves & Eriko Lijo