Academic Decathlon completed its last competition on Friday, Feb. 6. In total, the team earned 29 medals, placing third in the Super Quiz and finishing fourth overall in their division.
The Academic Decathlon is a 10-event team competition, with each year having a new theme. Teams of nine compete in seven multiple-choice tests, an essay, a speech and an interview. Each team of nine has three students at the Honor (3.80-4.00), Scholastic (3.20-3.79) and Varsity (0.00-3.19) GPA levels. Teams compete at the regional, state and national levels.
This year’s theme was “The Roaring Twenties,” which covers the cultural, economic and social shifts of the 1920s. This includes jazz, prohibition and the artistic movements of that era.
Even though it was Aliso’s first year competing in a high division, they still placed in the top five. Aliso was also recognized as a top 10 team in the county across all three divisions.
This year, Aliso’s Academic Decathlon team had 23 participating members.
Ella D’Lima (11) participated in the Honors division for speech, interview, essay and all seven tests. The tests include social science, math, science, economics, music, art history and literature.
D’Lima says, “I think the benefits of Ac[ademic] Dec[athlon] are surrounding yourself with really disciplined and motivated people who strive to improve. It’s really motivating.”
Academic Decathlon is a unique way for students to gain a broader knowledge base across multiple subjects and disciplines.
Even though D’lima “didn’t participate in the Super Quiz… and didn’t medal,” Academic Decathlon is a way for Aliso Niguel’s students to enter a community of well-rounded people.
There are different ways for students to join the Academic Decathlon.
D’Lima says, “New students can participate by getting involved early. In either May, when there’s an info meeting, or in early fall, by reaching out to Ms. Terhardt or Ms. Lee, who are the advisors for our Academic Decathlon.
Ms. Terhardt, an advisor for our Academic Decathlon team, says, “These results reflect months of hard work, dedication and perseverance from our students… Please congratulate them!”
The Academic Decathlon is a positive outlet for students to both learn and be rewarded for all their hard work, dedication and time well spent.
Taleiya Gordon (11) says, “It is very rewarding to see your hard work and studying pay off when you win a medal.”
