Courtesy of VHS Coaches
This past week the VHS Academic Decathlon team traveled to Anchorage to compete in the Alaska Academic Decathlon State Competition. The competition has two divisions. Division I schools have 500+ students, Division II schools have less than 500. Valdez competed against other Division II schools from around the state, as well as for overall and individual points against both Division I and Division II schools. Students met the challenge of two rigorous days of testing, speech, and interview with grit and determination, ending with the live Super Quiz event on Friday night. The team also had the opportunity to catch the ceremonial start of the 2023 Iditarod downtown before the awards banquet Saturday. U.S. Representative Mary Peltola visited the banquet to formally address the students and commend their efforts and achievements.
This is a first year team for Valdez, meaning none of our students have previously attended state competition. Four current team members participated in Academic Pentathlon when in middle school, but all are new to this in-person experience of competition. I am pleased to report our team brought home a 2nd place trophy for Overall Team Scores by Division (Div. II, out of 7 schools) and the 1st place title for Super Quiz, which is a public and timed event that requires a well-rounded team to perform efficiently under pressure. This coach is incredibly proud of this team and their efforts. Strong work, Bucs!
Individual Achievements:
Kelsey Prax, Medaled – Top Scoring Alternate for Science
Bella Smelcer, Silver Medal – Interview
Esther Hales, Bronze Medal – Art
Kassidy Ferguson, Bronze Medal – Math
Kassidy Ferguson, Silver Medals – Science, Literature
Erik Vincent – Top Scoring Student for Valdez