Congratulations to Rocket League State Champs Newark School of Data Science!

Above: The Circuits with Coach Joe Lima at the championship event, hosted by Georgian Court University.

In Spring 2023, The Loyalty Foundation launched the first-ever esports program for Newark City Schools—beginning with The Circuits at the Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology. Since then, the program has expanded to include East Side High School and Technology High School, strengthening access to competitive esports and STEM learning across the district.

We are thrilled to announce that on Saturday, November 23, The Circuits won the 2025 Garden State Esports Rocket League State Championship for Group 1 and Group 2—sweeping the finals against the top scholastic teams in New Jersey.

"This marks the first esports state championship in Newark Board of Education history," – Liana M. Summey, Ed.D, Principal Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology

Head Coach: Mr. Joseph Lima

Just two years ago, during their first season in the GSE league, the Data Science team finished 0–7 without a single game win. This year, they completed a perfect season—going undefeated and sweeping every playoff match on their path to the state title.

Player Spotlight: Jeremiah Paneto

Jeremiah earned a place on the GSE All-Star Team and was named Team MVP. His in-game ranking—Super Sonic Legend, the highest tier in Rocket League—places him in the top 0.03% of players worldwide.

Below, the Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology Athletics Instagram post: