Future Scholars Shine at Soehl's Mayor's Cup Championship

Academic competition celebrates scholarship, teamwork, and a tradition of excellence

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS,  NJ — Bright minds, quick thinking, and months of preparation took center stage as Soehl Middle School's top academic teams faced off in the annual Mayor's Cup Championship, a longstanding tradition that continues to showcase some of Linden's most accomplished student scholars.

This year's championship match was held inside the Linden High School TV Studio, providing a fitting stage for a competition that celebrates academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and the power of teamwork.

The Mayor's Cup serves as the culminating event of Soehl's Academic Team program, where students compete throughout the year in a series of challenging contests covering a wide range of academic subjects. Only the top teams earn the opportunity to advance to the championship round.

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For more than two decades, teacher and Academic Team advisor Michael Damato has led the program, helping generations of students sharpen their knowledge, build confidence, and develop a lifelong passion for learning. The Mayor's Cup itself has served as the program's championship event for the past 14 years.

Its impact extends well beyond middle school.

Over the years, former participants have gone on to attend some of the nation's and world's most prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Princeton University, Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, and the London School of Economics.

Championship-Worthy Performances

Competing in this year's title match were Thomas Noel, Ahmadyaar Khan, Tymofiy Stets, and Schmider Maurisset, whose knowledge, preparation, and competitive spirit helped create an exciting and closely contested championship.

Claiming the 2025 Mayor's Cup title were Cristina Roman, Jade Martinez Quevedo, Mikayla Stone, and Lilliana Reyes. Throughout the competition, the team demonstrated exceptional collaboration, critical thinking, and academic mastery, earning the championship through a combination of preparation, poise, and teamwork.

Encouragement from Community Leaders

Before the competition began, Linden Mayor Derek Armstead reminded students that reaching the championship match was an accomplishment in itself, praising their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.

Superintendent Atiya Y. Perkins also congratulated the finalists, noting that their journey to the Mayor's Cup stage reflected one of the district's core values: resilience. She commended the students for their determination, hard work, and willingness to challenge themselves academically.