MADERA — For the first time in county Academic Decathlon history, the student team from Madera South High captured the championship at the 38th Madera County Academic Decathlon, held Saturday in Madera.
With the victory, Madera South, which hosted this year’s event, advances to the state competition March 27-29.
Seven schools took part in Saturday’s 10-event competition, answering questions based on the topic “In Sickness and In Health: A History of Illness and Wellness.”
“We are proud of all of our student decathletes for their dedication and determination to succeed. The excitement of the decathletes from Madera South was contagious and we wish them the best of luck at their first state competition,” said Dr. Cecilia Massetti, Madera County superintendent of schools.
Madera High came in second place with Chowchilla Union High School placing third. Chawanakee Academy Charter, Glacier High School Charter, Liberty High and Yosemite High rounded out the top finishers.
Decathlon teams are comprised of up to 25 members competing in three levels of competition: Honor (A), Scholastic (B) and Varsity (C) students.
Madera South helped secure their championship by winning the Super Quiz competition. The Super Quiz format this year allowed students in each round to discuss the question before making their individual selections.
“The Super Quiz is a great opportunity for parents and community members to see the students compete as a team,” said Massetti.
A total of 116 medals were handed out at the awards ceremony. Chawanakee Academy Charter received a total of 9 medals: 4 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze. Yosemite High was awarded 17 medals: 6 gold, 5 silver and 6 bronze.
Abril Chavez, a junior from Madera South High School was the top scoring decathlete this year and received the EECU Outstanding Scholar Award of $500.00.
The top scoring senior from each school will receive a $100 scholarship. Emma Johnson was top senior for Chawanakee Academy Charter and Theodorus Pollard took home top senior honors for Yosemite High.
The Madera County Academic Decathlon is funded by donations from local businesses and community members. The Madera County Schools Foundation proudly supports the event.
