COMPETITIVE eSPORTS/GAMING: Wayland High School

In 2019/20 a WPSF grant enabled the launch of Wayland High School into the highly competitive eSports arena.  The WPSF grant funded creation of a dedicated gaming room complete with equipment and hard-wired internet access. This grant created the ability to support two eSports teams in the first official WHS season, Overwatch and League of Legends, to compete in the Massachusetts High School eSports League. 

In addition to offering students access to this rapidly growing field of competition, the construction of the gaming lab involved numerous sections of Computer Science classes at WHS, with students helping to build the computers customized for gaming. 

The first season was very successful, with the WHS League of Legends Team remaining undefeated in the regular season.  Interest in WHS eSports teams is strong and the lab has inspired broader student interest in the world of competitive gaming/eSports. As with traditional sports, engaging in eSports helps build character, discipline, self esteem and sportsmanship. Over 200 colleges offer eSports scholarships and the number is rising.

GRANT SPONSORS:  Mark Nolan and Mary Barber