College Achieve Greater Asbury Park Kicks Off New NJDFL Season with Success
College Achieve Greater Asbury Park launched its 2025 season in the New Jersey Drama and Forensics League (NJDFL) with an exciting tournament at Kingsway Regional High School on Saturday, January 25. NJDFL, a statewide organization of high schools, provides students the opportunity to develop their talents in drama and public speaking while competing for individual and team awards.
This year, College Achieve’s team has seen significant growth, expanding to include four dedicated members: Team Captains Bianca Moseley (11) and Amaya Brewington (11), along with seniors Isabella Upton (12) and Guerdy Chouloute (12).
Founded in 2022 by coaches Lauren DiSabato and Peter Lyden, the team has been steadily building its presence in the league. Since November 2024, the students have been diligently preparing for various tournament categories, showcasing their commitment to both individual and collaborative performance excellence.
The 2025 season includes several key events, with the next tournaments scheduled for February 8 at Eastern Regional High School and February 22 at Mainland Regional High School ― which will also serve as the State Championship Tournament. Beyond competition, NJDFL offers students invaluable opportunities to sharpen their public speaking and performance skills while connecting with peers who share similar passions and ambitions across New Jersey.
A standout moment from the season opener this past Saturday came when Bianca Moseley delivered a powerful dramatic oral interpretation of “A Song in the Front Yard,” a poignant poem by celebrated African American poet Gwendolyn Brooks. Bianca first encountered the poem in her Dual-Enrollment poetry class at College Achieve, where its themes of yearning for freedom and self-discovery resonated deeply with her. Her performance, marked by emotional authenticity, precise delivery, and nuanced understanding, captivated the judges and earned her a qualifying score. At the tournament awards ceremony, she was among a group of select students who were awarded with distinction. Bianca’s achievement not only secured her a tournament medal but also qualifies her to compete for platinum status ― one of NJDFL’s most prestigious honors ― in future tournaments. To reach this milestone, she will need to continue delivering exceptional performances that demonstrate mastery of interpretation, stage presence, and vocal technique. Platinum status is reserved for the league’s most accomplished performers, offering recognition and opportunities to inspire peers and connect with other talented students statewide.
Bianca’s success reflects the dedication and growing talent within College Achieve’s team, inspiring her teammates to push their own limits. The group is competing in categories such as Dramatic Oral Interpretation, Comedy Pairs, Musical Theater, Comedy Monologue, and Reader’s Theater. Their collective creativity and hard work embody the spirit of NJDFL, as they aim to leave a lasting impression on the league.
NJDFL is open to high school students in grades 9–12 at participating schools, and College Achieve’s team is always eager to welcome new members. The season is off to a promising start, and the team looks forward to continuing their journey of growth, skill-building, and success as the tournaments progress.