Latest news with #AcademicDecathlon
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Vote for IndyStar Student of the week for April 28
Each week readers vote on central Indiana students who were nominated by their schools for their excellence in the classroom and beyond. Readers can vote for their favorite student throughout the week at the bottom of this story on with polling closing at noon on Thursday, May 1. Winners will be announced every Friday. This contest aims to introduce readers not just to the student who winds up winning but to all of the highly accomplished nominees. Here's what nominating school leaders had to say about this week's nominees: Anna Ellery radiates positivity, always seeking the good in every situation. She consistently puts others first, showing unwavering compassion and support for her classmates. Her deep faith shines through in everything she does, guiding her actions and interactions. Anna's kindness and dedication make a profound impact on those around her, and we are incredibly grateful to have her in our community. News you should know: Federal government resumes collection on student debt. What you should know Ian is a student who has a great deal going for him, and he works daily to reach his potential. He is a committed runner and excels at cross country and track. In class, he's also committed; he gives his best daily, works excellently with others, has an infectiously positive attitude that makes my world a better place, and Ian is always willing to help. I cannot think of a more deserving person for Student of the Week! She is a phenomenal student and student assistant. We are nominating her because she is always trying to help her teachers and the students around her. She always has a bright and cheery attitude. She is empathetic, a good listener, patient, and does not hesitate to help out where she is needed. She is a leader in the classroom and values her education. Roncalli Science teacher Ben North states, "Chris is a hard worker in class and always gets his work done. He does a nice job asking questions if there are problems with his code. But more importantly, he does an excellent job helping out his peers if one of them is having an issue. He participates well in class and serves as a model for the other students to follow." Intellectual curiosity within the classroom and keen and insightful participation in classroom discussions are also cited. Cameron is a Vernon E. Jordan Scholar, AP Honors Scholar (National), and an Internationally Recognized Thespian. He is a LEO Club member, NHS member, and a Student Council Member. He volunteered 15 hours for the State Chess Tournament at Martinsville High School recently and also volunteers at the Morgan County Public Library. He is a prominent member of the successful Academic Decathlon, Academic Quiz Bowl, and Academic Super Bowl Teams at M.H.S., as well as the Journalism and Yearbook staffs. Cameron is a member of the Cross Country and Track & Field Teams and F.C.A. The Staff at M.H.S. appreciates his energy, enthusiasm, and devotion to so many things at Martinsville High School. He plans to enroll at DePauw University upon Graduation. Keep up with school news: Sign up for Study Hall, IndyStar's free weekly education newsletter. Alina Eckert is an outstanding student at Lawrence North, excelling academically, athletically, and in community service. She is on track to earn academic honors and the International Baccalaureate diploma, ranking among the top 30 GPA in her class. In addition to her academic success, Alina is an accomplished swimmer and performs in the orchestra. She also dedicates time to serving others through our Dance Marathon club and other organizations. We are fortunate to have her as part of the Lawrence North community, and I am honored to nominate her for Student of the Week. Contact IndyStar K-12 education reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@ Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Vote for IndyStar Student of the week for April 28 - May 2
Indianapolis Star
28-04-2025
- General
- Indianapolis Star
Vote for IndyStar Student of the week for April 28
Each week readers vote on central Indiana students who were nominated by their schools for their excellence in the classroom and beyond. Readers can vote for their favorite student throughout the week at the bottom of this story on with polling closing at noon on Thursday, May 1. Winners will be announced every Friday. This contest aims to introduce readers not just to the student who winds up winning but to all of the highly accomplished nominees. Here's what nominating school leaders had to say about this week's nominees: Anna Ellery, a senior at Guerin Catholic High School Anna Ellery radiates positivity, always seeking the good in every situation. She consistently puts others first, showing unwavering compassion and support for her classmates. Her deep faith shines through in everything she does, guiding her actions and interactions. Anna's kindness and dedication make a profound impact on those around her, and we are incredibly grateful to have her in our community. Ian Tharp, a sophomore at Franklin Central High School Ian is a student who has a great deal going for him, and he works daily to reach his potential. He is a committed runner and excels at cross country and track. In class, he's also committed; he gives his best daily, works excellently with others, has an infectiously positive attitude that makes my world a better place, and Ian is always willing to help. I cannot think of a more deserving person for Student of the Week! Hailee Guada, a sophomore at Ben Davis High School She is a phenomenal student and student assistant. We are nominating her because she is always trying to help her teachers and the students around her. She always has a bright and cheery attitude. She is empathetic, a good listener, patient, and does not hesitate to help out where she is needed. She is a leader in the classroom and values her education. Chris Griffin, a senior at Roncalli High School Roncalli Science teacher Ben North states, "Chris is a hard worker in class and always gets his work done. He does a nice job asking questions if there are problems with his code. But more importantly, he does an excellent job helping out his peers if one of them is having an issue. He participates well in class and serves as a model for the other students to follow." Intellectual curiosity within the classroom and keen and insightful participation in classroom discussions are also cited. Cameron Rutledge Gee, a senior at Martinsville High School Cameron is a Vernon E. Jordan Scholar, AP Honors Scholar (National), and an Internationally Recognized Thespian. He is a LEO Club member, NHS member, and a Student Council Member. He volunteered 15 hours for the State Chess Tournament at Martinsville High School recently and also volunteers at the Morgan County Public Library. He is a prominent member of the successful Academic Decathlon, Academic Quiz Bowl, and Academic Super Bowl Teams at M.H.S., as well as the Journalism and Yearbook staffs. Cameron is a member of the Cross Country and Track & Field Teams and F.C.A. The Staff at M.H.S. appreciates his energy, enthusiasm, and devotion to so many things at Martinsville High School. He plans to enroll at DePauw University upon Graduation. Alina Eckert, a senior at Lawrence North High School Alina Eckert is an outstanding student at Lawrence North, excelling academically, athletically, and in community service. She is on track to earn academic honors and the International Baccalaureate diploma, ranking among the top 30 GPA in her class. In addition to her academic success, Alina is an accomplished swimmer and performs in the orchestra. She also dedicates time to serving others through our Dance Marathon club and other organizations. We are fortunate to have her as part of the Lawrence North community, and I am honored to nominate her for Student of the Week.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
ECISD Decathlon teams capture 3 of the top spots at state competition
Mar. 20—Three of the top 10 Small School academic decathlon teams in Texas are from Ector County ISD. New Tech Odessa, Odessa Collegiate Academy, and the STEM Academy at UTPB all qualified for the Decathlon State Meet contested in Frisco. New Tech Odessa took third place in the rigorous competition, OCA finished in sixth place, and the STEM Academy, in its first year of decathlon, was tenth. NTO's Rohan Reed placed 2nd overall in the Scholastic category, capturing 1st place in the individual contests for Art and Science. Betanya Hailu from OCA earned a perfect score, and first place, on her speech. Maci Jo Baker was the top scorer for STEM Academy. Others who won individual contests were Kevin Enriquez (NTO) in Scholastic Science; Mary Rivera (NTO) Varsity Math and Speech; Yadiel Hernandez-Rodriguez (NTO) Varsity Interview; Elizabeth Lopez (NTO) Varsity Speech; Daniel Oyebanji (OCA) Honors Art; and Mallory Hough (OCA) Honors Art. "We are incredibly proud of all of our Decathlon students and their coaches," ECISD Director of Advanced Academic Services Kristen Vesely said in a news release. "Decathlon is extremely challenging with the diverse range of topics, the amount of study time it involves, and the intensity of the competition. "Yet, those are the same elements that lead to the student's personal growth, great sense of achievement, and confidence gained through their effort," added Vesely. Academic Decathlon is made up of 10 events covering 7 subjects — science, literature, art, music, social science, economics, and math, plus a Super Quiz. All are built around a central theme of study. Competitors take tests, write essays, and deliver speeches as part of the 10 events; the Super Quiz is a true team battle to answer questions in a game-show style format. The students and their coaches spend months studying and preparing for these contests. Each high school enters a team of nine students: 3 Honor students (3.80 — 4.00 GPA), 3 Scholastic students (3.20 — 3.799 GPA), and 3 Varsity students (0.00 — 3.199 GPA). Team Rosters: New Tech Odessa — Yoana Picazo — Head Coach — Neftali Silva — Assistant Coach Honors: — Antonio Apodaca — Adrian Rodriguez — Joel Ramos Scholastic: — Rohan Reed — Kevin Enriquez — Ethan Palomares Varsity: — Mary Rivera — Yadiel Hernandez Rodriguez — Elizabeth Lopez Alternates: — Javier Hernandez — Lorena Spruill — Maria Losoya Odessa Collegiate — Mikal Crowder — Head Coach — Lydia Roundtree — Assistant Coach Honors: — Daniel Oyebanji — Mallory Hough — Betanya Hailu Scholastic: — Madison Garcia — Roxanna Martinez — Zada Cobos Varsity: — Sephira Guitierrez — Josh Selby Alternates: — Rianna Ornelas — Jocelyn Balderas STEM Academy — Iva Hodges — Head Coach — Nicole Olivas — Assistant Coach Honors: — Elise Jones — Maci Jo Baker — Karli Kershaw Scholastic: — Kamryn Kershaw — Miles Mundkowsky — Thomas Harlow Varsity: — Isaac Rangel — Lily Biggerstaff — Haylee Vargas Alternates: — Genesis Cruz — Iris Ramirez — Ilene Kurtz
Los Angeles Times
14-03-2025
- General
- Los Angeles Times
Column: Starting from scratch — My decathlon challenges and triumphs
Academic competitions always seemed like exclusive clubs for the academically elite — an untouchable area I never imagined entering. But after stepping into the Decathlon, my perspective shifted. I realized that learning is not about scoring; it is about growth and discovering what you are truly capable of. Now, I want to share my journey of founding a decathlon team at my school — the victories, the struggles, and the lessons that shaped me–so that others who are hesitant might find the courage to take that leap. From scratch – The beginning The State Director's intimidating figure filled my view as he reached out his hand. I bravely did the same, a relieved grin lifting the corners of my lips. As I walked out the door, knowing my club was finally approved, the County Coordinator commended me. At that moment, I knew I had done something that mattered. I had built something from nothing. Yet, the journey would be far from easy. When I first pitched the idea of an Academic Decathlon team to my school's principal at Orange County School of the Arts, I was met with skepticism. 'Are students here even interested?' he asked. The reality was — I wasn't sure myself. I had felt inspired to start the club after reading about its origins. The academic decathlon was founded in 1968 by Dr. Robert Peterson , a California teacher who wanted to encourage students of all backgrounds to learn and grow through competition. The first national championship took place in 1982, with teams required to have students of mixed A, B, and C averages so that everyone had the chance to excel in different areas like speech, math, and more. Still, recruitment turned out to be one of my greatest challenges. Attending an arts-focused school meant that academic competitions were not a priority for most students. Trying to convince my peers to spend hours studying decathlon guides instead of rehearsing for a play or practicing their instruments felt impossible. It took months of relentless promotion, persuading students to give it a chance, and, yes — offering free pizza at meetings. But I also had to inspire belief in my new teammates. I had to prove that this competition was not just about tests and scores but about growth, self-discovery, and pushing beyond our perceived limits. The rewards: Triumphs that mattered more than medals When we arrived at Westminster High School, this year's Orange County Academic Decathlon Competition site, I was in awe of the scene. I had only imagined competition day in my mind, but facing the actual competition was something totally different. Every other team seemed larger, stronger, and more prepared. While our team had only six members, some schools had teams stretching up to thirty students. I saw huddles of students from other schools finalizing their preparation for the competition, some going over their speeches and some shouting their team chants out loud. I was intimidated by the other teams and surprised by the bond they were able to build between each team member. Everyone knew each other well, while we barely got to know each other. I couldn't help but compare the other teams to mine; compared to them, my team seemed like a joke. But that day, I watched my team rise to the challenge. I saw a quiet student confidently deliver a speech that moved the judges. I witnessed my teammates — who once doubted their abilities — excited to debate literature, history, and science with competitors from other schools. We weren't just competing; we were proving to ourselves that we were capable of more than we had ever imagined. Redefining what it means to be 'smart' A brief email from my adviser announcing the competition results caught me off guard. There, I saw my name listed among two other students from my decathlon team. Even after months of preparation, I hadn't expected to win. But three of us had all placed and won awards in the competition. I won six medals total: first in interview and music, second in literature and science, fourth in art, and fifth in social science. At that moment, I saw my hard work pay off, from starting from scratch to triumphing at my first-ever academic decathlon competition. All of my assumptions and previous biases about academic competitions were shattered. I realized it wasn't just about memorizing facts, being the best in your class, or being the most gifted student. Technically, I wasn't the best or the most gifted–and yet, I had won. Tips for future competitors and founders To my future decathlon competitors and founders, here are my tips for finding your own success — no matter where you're starting from. Start early and stay organized! Founding a club can feel overwhelming. Keep a to do list and try to check off one task each week. Don't be discouraged if you run into unknown obstacles. Keep trying. 2. Find fun ways to recruit members. Maybe with pizza. Clubs are more fun with members. Don't be shy about doing outreach by offering food and snacks. Sometimes, new team members just need to feel welcomed. 3. Prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. Take advantage of the academic decathlon website's study guides. They're really detailed and helpful, especially for unfamiliar subjects. 4. Uplift your team members with encouragement. The competition is important, but so is making sure everyone on your team feels confident and prepared. Study in groups together! 5. Show up early on competition day Show up early, pack snacks, and give yourself time to breathe. It can feel intimidating facing other bigger teams, but ultimately, everyone is there to learn. Looking ahead: The true victory I realize that the true victory wasn't in the medals or trophies, it was in the transformation. The Academic Decathlon didn't just test my knowledge; it reshaped my confidence, my resilience, and my belief in what's possible. For those wondering if they should take the leap into an academic competition, my advice is simple: Just do it. Don't wait until you feel 'ready enough.' The truth is, you'll never feel fully prepared. But that's the beauty of the journey — learning, adapting and growing along the way. The Academic Decathlon isn't just about what you know, it's about what you're willing to learn. And that, more than anything, is what makes it life-changing. Related
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Westover students earn bid to National Academic Decathlon
ALBANY – Westover Comprehensive High School's 11-student Academic Decathlon team is preparing to compete at the national level. The Westover team earned its first-ever invitation to the United States Academic Decathlon Online National Competition, making it the first school in the Dougherty County School System to earn such an opportunity. The students' journey began at the district's Academic Decathlon competition, from which they emerged as the overall winners for the 15th year out of 16 years of competition. With that win, the Patriots traveled to Atlanta to compete at the state level, where their performance secured them the Large School Online Representative Award and gave them the chance to compete in the National Academic Decathlon Online Competition beginning April 17. 'We're simply proud of our students,' Westover Principal William Chunn said. 'They worked extremely hard, and now they can see the fruit of their labor.' The USAD is a team-based academic competition that emphasizes excellence across a wide range of subjects, including art, economics, language and literature, mathematics, music, science, social science, essay, interview and speech. Each year, these subjects are integrated into a central theme; the 2024-2025 theme being 'Our Changing Climate.' Chunn said the students work year-'round to prepare for this event – even completing assignments while they're out of school for summer vacation. He said they know it's an important event for Westover, which calls itself an academic school. Westover has earned 10 state academic trophies over the years. 'We take a lot of pride in that,' Chunn said. 'A lot of folks talk about basketball, track and football, and all that is good. But when it comes to Westover, the emphasis is on academics. Competing on the national level is just the icing on the cake.' Coach Pamela Heard returned from retirement to lead the team that is made up of ninth- through 12th-graders. 'This season has been incredible,' Heard said. 'Earning a national qualifier spot is a testament to the team's effort. I'm proud to have played a small part in bringing our team to this point.' The team also performed well in the Super Quiz competition, securing the second runner-up position. Heard's mantra of self-regulation and consistent study habits resonated with the team. She often encouraged the students by saying, 'Y'all must study when I'm not looking, just like athletes who regularly practice, working their muscles and pushing their bodies to new lengths. Y'all must stretch your brain muscles to new lengths, too.' She called the team 'brain athletes.' Chunn said he's appreciative of Heard's commitment to the students as well as that of math teacher Patrick Nwokedi, science teacher Cadesia Irvin and Vice Principal Samuel Mackey. Practice for the USAD Online National Competition runs from April 10-16. Chunn said the team will prepare each day leading up to the competition. 'They're excited to represent their district … and all of Dougherty County,' he said. 'So every day after school, they will practice and prepare up until the time of the competition. They will take no days off.' Art, essay, interview and literature tests will be held April 17. The students will compete in economics, mathematics, music, science, social science and 'super quiz' tests May 2.
