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Lower Moreland students and staff present esports team achievements; coach and students outline growth and inclusion goals
Summary
Students and staff updated the school board on the Lower Moreland High School esports program’s competitive results and operations, described uses of a school esports lab and Discord for team communication, and discussed steps to increase female participation and maintain student safety in online play.
At the May 21 meeting of the Lower Moreland Board of School Directors students and staff presented an annual report on the Lower Moreland High School esports program and asked the board to support ongoing access to district facilities and supervision.
Joseph Kang, vice president of the Lower Moreland Esports team, told the board the club uses Discord as its primary communication platform and has more than 100 members and four competitive teams. "It is used for ... competition and just casual play," Kang said.
Student officers gave details about league play and recent results. Kevin Choi, a senior and team captain, said the team competes in PIA and PSEO leagues against schools across Pennsylvania and that matches are held in school-sanctioned locations such as the AV room or the esports lab. Choi described multiple team divisions — entry-level varsity-style play and higher-competition squads — and said the top team had gone undefeated in its league this season. He added that some tournaments include prize pools and that college recruiters sometimes observe matches.
John Haldeman, the team’s faculty sponsor and a social-studies teacher, said he was initially skeptical about esports but agreed to advise after students approached him. "They're great kids," Haldeman said, and he described the club as a tight-knit community that can help students who do not participate in traditional athletics or arts programs.
Board members asked questions about inclusion. Dr. James Lee asked whether there are girls on the team; Kevin Choi said the roster currently includes two or three girls and described efforts to reduce stigma and to respond to harassment incidents. Choi said the program reported one incident of harassment of a female player to the PIA administrator and that the association helped resolve the issue. "I want to create a safe space, especially in esports, and especially in a male-dominated area," Choi told the board.
Students and the faculty sponsor thanked the district for equipment and access to the AV room and esports lab; students said the lab and district devices let members without up-to-date personal computers participate. Kang and other student officers noted an upcoming state-qualifying match and an overnight stay at Mount Aloysius on May 31 for state finals.
Ending: The board recognized the club and its recent competitive achievements and welcomed its students and sponsors; no formal action was required or taken by the board on the recognition item.
