Less than a year after launching one of the nation’s first districtwide esports program, Atlantic City Public Schools celebrated another milestone by hosting its inaugural districtwide esports championship competition.
Students from across the district gathered at Atlantic City High School to showcase their skills in a variety of competitive gaming titles while representing their schools in an event that highlighted teamwork, strategic thinking, communication, and sportsmanship.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small said the championship demonstrated the success of a program designed to meet students where their interests are while preparing them for the future.
“Our esports program is about much more than competition. It provides students with opportunities to develop various skills that will serve them well in college, careers, and life,” Dr. Small said. “Watching our students engage, compete, and represent their schools with pride is a powerful reminder of what is possible when we create innovative learning opportunities that connect passion with purpose.”
At the conclusion of the competition, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex earned the title of overall district champion, finishing in first place among participating schools. Richmond Avenue School secured second place, while New York Avenue School finished third overall.
Individual game champions were recognized in four featured esports titles:
• Rocket League: Uptown School Complex Hornets
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex Esports • Mario Kart: New York Avenue School
• Madden: Richmond Avenue School
The competition served as the culmination of a year of growth for the district’s esports initiative, which was launched to provide students with opportunities to explore technology, digital media, teamwork, and career pathways connected to the rapidly expanding esports industry.
Director of Special Projects Michael Bird, who helped oversee the implementation of the program, said the event demonstrated how far the district has come since the concept was first introduced.
“Seeing our esports project transition from the planning phases to a fully realized, district-wide program and culminating event is a proud moment for all of us,” Bird said. “It is incredibly fulfilling to witness our collective efforts come to life for our students and staff, and we are excited for what the coming year holds.”
The district held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, October 17, 2025, in the esports lab at Atlantic City High School to introduce the program. Esports, or electronic sports, refers to organized competitive gaming that often involves multiplayer video game competitions. What was once a niche hobby has become a global phenomenon, with professional leagues, massive audiences and substantial prize money.
The introduction ceremony marked the culmination of a partnership between the district, Esports Integration by Horizon AVL, Edge Consulting and Bluum. The event drew students, staff, college esports program representatives and community leaders to witness the unveiling of custom designed esports facilities now featured in 10 district schools. Each school’s esports lab was designed as a career development hub where students can engage with industry-standard tools and a curriculum aligned to fields such as game design, broadcasting, marketing, event management and cybersecurity. The program integrated esports into after-school and STEM sessions using a learning management system developed by ESports Integration and Edge that provides project-based learning and academic enrichment.
Beyond the competition itself, the final event showcased the educational value of esports. Students gained experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy while participating in a structured environment.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex Principal Jodi Burroughs said the esports program gives students a chance to excel in a non-traditional way. “It’s a great opportunity for our young people that will open doors that they don’t even know exist,” said Burroughs.
Dr. MLK School Complex Technology Coordinator Russell DeCico, agreed. “When they find something that they like and that they’re passionate about, they excel,” DeCico said.
Josue Suazo, Damir Jones and Denise Coleman and, who all played on the Dr. MLK team, said they were pleased to be named the winners. But they weren’t shocked.
“I knew we were going to do well because we put in the work,” said Jones.
“The amount of teamwork that came from being on this team and the friends we made from other schools was amazing,” added Coleman.
Richmond Avenue School Vice Principal Samantha Sickler focused on the skills students learn beyond the games.
“Victory in esports isn’t just about skill,” said Sickler. “It’s about preparation, teamwork and performing, so we’re extremely proud of our Richmond Avenue School students.”
MD Raashid Khan, who served as the team’s coach and advisor, said the students enjoyed the entire experience.
“It was really fun,” said Khan. “Next year, we will do better.”
New York Avenue School Principal Kendall Williams said he was pleased that his students participated and did well.
“My goal is for those kids who participated to continue down that path and make it a career goal,” Williams said.
In addition to creating a new competitive opportunity for students, the championship also reinforced the district’s commitment to providing innovative learning opportunities that connect student interests with future academic and career pathways.
As trophies were presented and champions celebrated in a subsequent ceremony, it highlighted the growth of a program that has quickly become a source of pride throughout Atlantic City Public Schools and a model for how esports can engage students while preparing them for future success.
To revisit the ribbon cutting launch of the Atlantic City Public Schools Esports program and the Esports facilities throughout the district, click the
