Students at Carmichaels Area School District are celebrating this spring– three members of the high school Academic League were privileged to represent the school on KDKA’s student trivia show “KD Quiz.” Survey says, “the results came back even better than the team could have hoped.” Senior Alexandria Miller, and Juniors Olivia Mata and Emma Bates, under the leadership of team sponsor and coach Mr. John Hess, were thrilled to take first place in the televised knowledge competition that aired Saturday, March 8.
Although the quiz show was taped virtually, the competition was extremely real. The Mikes faced off against students from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and Sharpsville High School, eventually claiming the win with a score of 400 points in the ultra-competitive match. Questions on the show consisted of knowledge from every corner of the mind, from science and math to literature, history, geography, and everything in between. One minute, students wrack their brains for elements on the periodic table; the next, they’re sifting through Shakespeare’s plays and world leaders. “I was most proud watching our teammates work together,” Miller shared, crediting the team’s success to the high level of cooperation and discussion.
But this battle of the minds doesn’t just take place once a year for the team. Students have the opportunity to compete for the Academic League year-round starting in the fifth grade, with divisions for age groups elementary through high school. The team competes against other districts in the Tri-County area at matches that have been primarily hosted by the Penn State Fayette campus. High school students in the junior varsity and varsity divisions can advance to playoffs, and then to regional and state competitions.
However, the information learned in preparation for these competitions is only the beginning of this incredible experience. A day at Academic League continues well beyond the buzzer. It prepares students from all walks of life for the future pathways available to them. From the moment students step off the bus on the college campus, they are met with the opportunities of the future. For many students, this is their first exposure to higher education and a real-world experience that allows them to picture themselves as career-bound young adults.
Mr. Hess states, “During my 13 years holding the position of Academic Team Sponsor, the most rewarding part by far is the relationships built with my students who I have interacted with over their four years of high school while participating on the team.” He continues, “I am blessed to be surrounded by exceptional students with great character.”
Following meets, the team usually enjoys lunch together, oftentimes at a sit-down restaurant. Students experience a day out with more independence than the typical school day, practicing formal etiquette and navigating ordering, paying a bill, and calculating a tip on their own. Every student treasures this opportunity, but for some, it may be the only family-like dining experience they have had in their developmental years.
“I’ve always loved being on Academic League,” says Olivia, a seven-year team member. “It’s…a great way to bond with new people and branch out.”
Nothing compares to the joyful simplicity of kids learning, unplugging, sitting around a table laughing and talking, and celebrating their hard work. Our schools do well to provide such an experience for tomorrow’s adults.
