Summer enrichment at Asbury Park High School and more!

Garden State Esports President Chris Aviles and Vice President Regina Schaffer conducted an Esports summer enrichment program for the students at Asbury Park High School. The program is designed to teach the students Unreal Engine.

Summer Enrichment: Esports presents Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine is opening new worlds for Asbury Park High School students—literally. Through this innovative program, students are diving into video game development and cinematic animation using industry-grade tools.

But Unreal Engine’s reach goes far beyond entertainment. As tech mentors Chris Aviles and Regina Schaffer explained, students also explored real-world applications across engineering, construction, and automotive safety. One standout example: creating virtual car crash simulations to collect impact data and improve vehicle design.

Alongside hands-on learning, students were given dedicated time to game competitively. This school year, Asbury Park High is gearing up for interscholastic showdowns in Marvel Rivals and Rocket League, joining a national wave of esports-powered education.

Asbury Park High School in the news

Prehistoric Times

Recently, students Luis Anthony and Edwing Mayorga earned publication in Prehistoric Times Magazine (Issue 154). Their original artwork caught the attention of the editor, who praised their talent and encouraged them to continue producing. The recognition marks a significant accomplishment for the school’s creative arts program.

The Coaster

Meanwhile, Asbury Park High School made headlines in The Coaster, the local newspaper serving Asbury Park and Neptune. The article highlighted the school’s dynamic Esports initiative, spearheaded by Principal Dr. Medina and educator Mr. David Wronko. It illustrates how the program equips students with digital skills relevant to future careers—including opportunities at companies like Netflix.

Mr. Wronko’s History Seminar

Also featured was Mr. Wronko’s History Seminar, where students conducted independent research on historical topics and publicly presented their findings, reinforcing both academic rigor and public speaking skills.

On a personal note, I had the honor of being published in The Coaster years ago for my work on a reading program developed at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School—proof that the power of local storytelling endures.

Asbury Park Museum

A new Asbury Park Museum exhibit at the Berkeley Oceanside Hotel just recently opened. Kay Harris, president of the Asbury Park Museum, and Ginny Otley, board member of the Asbury Park Museum, put together the ultimate timeline showing the Asbury Park business district from 1871 through 1940. The exhibit was presented through dynamic visuals which brought that time frame alive. Also, what I found interesting was that Alec Guinness while serving in the Royal Navy stayed at the Berkeley Hotel during World War II.

Come and check out the exhibit.