Thanks to the generosity of friends, family, Maspeth High School parents, and multiple donors across the United States, the Argo Esports Lounge is now equipped with new gaming equipment, including headsets with microphones, game controllers, wall mount holders to store them, LED keyboards and mice, gaming chairs, rugs, wall decor, and neon signs.
On behalf of everyone at Maspeth High School and the families we serve, we thank the following for their generous donations:
- Albert Alvarez
- Alexandra Guzman
- Alvaro Pena
- Anonymous Donors from California, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Manhattan
- Anthony Luisi
- Antoinette Baltusis
- Araceli Hernandez
- Cinthia Matos-Santiago
- Dharina Estevez
- DonorsChoose New Teacher Fund
- Gyangi Sherpa
- Hispanic Information & Telecommunications Network, Mike Nieves, President & CEO
- Kristy Lauriat
- Luis Alanis
- Luz Matos
- Natalie Matos
- Panda Cares
- Rachel Wilson
- Riot Games Social Impact Fund
- Selin Alicanoglu
- Shirley Cabrera
- Soraida Burgos
- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- The Sonic Foundation
- Vanessa Calderon
This lounge is more than just a place for our students to play video games. It's a place where they can learn and grow, both academically and personally.
Through esports, students can learn about coding, engineering, and teamwork. They can also develop their problem-solving skills and learn how to work under pressure.
In addition, esports can help students to build confidence and make new friends. It's a great way for them to connect with other students who share their interests.
The gaming industry is a rapidly growing field, and there are many different career pathways available to students who are interested in this field. Some possible career paths include:
- Game developer
- Game designer
- Game programmer
- Game artist
- Game tester
- Esports commentator
- Esports coach
- Esports event manager
- Esports team owner
The Argo Esports Lounge will provide our students with the opportunity to learn about the gaming industry and to develop the skills they need to pursue a career in this field.
We would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the specific ways that the Argo Esports Lounge can benefit our students.
For example, the lounge can be used for esports teams to practice and compete. This will help our students to develop their skills and teamwork, and it will also give them the chance to represent our school in competition.
The lounge could also be used for classes and workshops on topics related to esports. This will help our students to learn about the gaming industry and to develop the skills they need for a career in this field.
Finally, the lounge will be used as a space for students to socialize and relax. This will help them to build relationships with other students who share their interests, and it will also provide them with a safe and supportive space to spend their time.
We are confident that the Argo Esports Lounge will be a valuable asset to our school and to our students. Thank you again to everyone who has made this possible.
The Argo Esports Lounge is a testament to the growing popularity of esports and the recognition of its value as an educational and career pathway. The lounge will provide Maspeth High School students with the opportunity to learn and grow through esports, just as the Minecraft Education Challenge and Battle of the Boroughs have done for students across New York City.
The lounge is also a reflection of Mayor Adams' commitment to transforming New York City into a global hub for the digital games industry. The lounge will provide students with the skills and resources they need to pursue careers in this rapidly growing field. To quote Chancellor Banks, “It’s one more way we’re reimagining the student experience to make school more relevant and meaningful to our kids.”
We are excited to see what the future holds for the Argo Esports Lounge and for the Maspeth High School esports community!
Remarks by Selin Alicanoglu Satilmis, Principal
Good morning everyone, and thank you for being here today. Chancellor Banks, Superintendent Walsh, thank you for your attendance and support of our work.
I want to start off by sharing how all of this and the thinking behind it started for us. Last year, Superintendent Walsh and I were on a call in which we spoke about Pillar 1 of the Chancellor’s Four Pillars: Reimagining the Student Experience. Superintendent Walsh encouraged me to bring something to Maspeth High School that wasn't traditional or classical; something that would excite my students and school community. So, last year, we created a Mindfulness Room here at Maspeth with a shoes and technology-free policy; where there are floor cushions, books, and coloring material for students and community members to go to calm and reground themselves.
Last year, while that space was being created, Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks launched the Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs Esports Competition. Mario Matos, my colleague who wears many hats, started to attend the information sessions and later, the battles. He then brought his interest and excitement to open an E Lounge at Maspeth High School back with him. This brings us to today. We are taking students’ interest in gaming and digital media and finding a place for this in our educational space; we are working hard to reimagine the student experience for our kids.
Recognizing our students’ passion for gaming and digital media, we became motivated to reimagine a learning environment that not only resonates with them, but also fosters digital literacy.
Today, as we cut the ribbon to welcome the Argo E Lounge to Maspeth High School, I want to recognize why we are all here and why we do what we do. We are here for the children. We are here to educate children. We are here to make sure they have great experiences. We are here to keep them interested and inside our school building, so they are safe. And as we cut the ribbon today, I want to think about all the children, all over the world, who I hope can have adults and leaders who prioritize their education, their experiences, and their safety, always.
Thank you.
Photo Credits: Patricia Tyszuk ‘24