In a remarkable display of skill and creativity, a team of students from World Journalism Preparatory: A College Board School in Queens has claimed victory at the inaugural NYC Video Games Festival. The high school division of the Minecraft Education “Battle of the Boroughs” competition saw the team, aptly named ‘Diamond Sword Bustamoney,’ rise to the top after a rigorous three-stage tournament.
Celebrating Achievement
The journey to victory began with preliminary digital submissions, advanced through borough-level championships, and culminated in a final showdown on May 31. This triumph marks a historic moment, as it is the first time a Queens school has secured this title since the competition’s inception in 2021. A celebration honoring the students took place at their school on June 10, showcasing the pride of the community.
“This is a major achievement for our school and for Queens,” expressed Ernest Lai, the computer science teacher and coach of the school’s Minecraft Club. “The competition required students to solve complex urban planning challenges using Minecraft, while demonstrating creativity, teamwork, and the ability to present their ideas effectively.”
The Battle of the Boroughs was initiated by the New York City Department of Education in collaboration with Microsoft and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. Originally conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate virtual learning, this initiative has evolved into a citywide scholastic esports competition. Students across various educational levels utilize Minecraft Education Edition to devise digital solutions for real-world urban issues.
Jose Perez, the instructional technologies director for NYC Public Schools, highlighted the significance of this victory. “This was the first time a Queens high school team captured the title,” he noted. “Diamond Sword Bustamoney defeated tough competition, including the defending champions from Staten Island’s Tottenville High School.”
Skills and Growth
Team members reflected on how the program has fostered both practical and interpersonal skills. Junior Wendell Joseph Quilang Jr. remarked, “Being able to apply my creativity in a competitive setting like this was both challenging and rewarding. Mr. Lai really helped me improve how I communicated our team’s work to the judges.”
Another junior, Bryan Chiu, shared his enthusiasm for the experience, stating, “I’ve always enjoyed Minecraft, but this was on another level. The event itself was well-organized and gave us a chance to meet other students and represent our borough with pride.”
Principal Dr. Michelle Roberts Bacchus commended the team’s achievement as a testament to the school’s educational mission. “Our students applied what they’ve learned in and out of the classroom to a real-world challenge,” she said. “This competition underscores the importance of integrating technology and creativity into modern learning.”
The winning team, comprised of five 11th-grade students, is already looking ahead to the next competition, eager to build on their success. “This is not just a club—it’s an opportunity for students to demonstrate leadership, critical thinking, and digital fluency,” Dr. Bacchus emphasized. “We are extremely proud of what they’ve achieved.”
