New Sarepta Community High School (NSCHS) stands out as a beacon of innovation within the ever-evolving field of education. Since the spring of 2022, the school’s esports program has been making waves.

Esports, often underestimated in its educational value, has emerged as a dynamic platform that fosters important skills like cooperation, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging among participants.

“One of the great things about this program is that we’re able to give students opportunities that they normally would not have,” said Principal David Holbrow. “Youth who may not be part of a traditional sports team can now be a part of something bigger. They can have their names and photos in the school yearbook and show off their pride in having been a part of our school community.”

“Esports gives youth another outlet to be competitive and to have fun,” said Matthew Murphy, the esports team coach and grade 11-12 science teacher. “This program is a great opportunity for our students; it allows them to compete against other schools across North America, get chances to win prize money, and apply for post secondary scholarships.”

A remarkable aspect of the NSCHS esports program is its commitment to inclusivity. Regardless of physical ability, gender identity, or age, every student is welcome to join in on the fun.

“From games like the League of Legends to Super Smash Bros, and now Rocket League, these students have shown tenacity, great sportsmanship, and a whole lot of skill,” said Murphy. “And we’re not stopping there – once we have additional equipment in place, we are hoping to introduce our younger grades to the Mario Kart team next season.”

It’s not just about the games. The esports program is also a gateway to a world of new interest and opportunities. Students not only learn about computer systems and competitive events, but also explore potential career paths in STEAM fields like game design, computer science, and broadcasting.

With its embrace of esports, NSCHS not only equips students with a level of technical proficiency but also instills values of teamwork, collaboration, resilience, and good sportsmanship. And with each game played, the school reaffirms its commitment to inspiring success for our future leaders and innovators.