ACADEMIC DECATHLON
• An estimated 500 students from 50 high schools participated in Academic Decathlon scrimmages, regional, and state competitions administered by Optimists across the state. Lincoln’s Pius X claimed the large school championship and advanced to national finals in Hawaii.
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January 22, 2012 – Academic Decathlon Helps Students In All Areas Of Life
A regional competition focuses on mental fortitude for area students to move to the next level.
Believe it or not, this is an actual competition. High School students from around the area wracked their brains Saturday on a math test during the Nebraska Academic Decathlon.
The program helps students engage their minds to help them succeed in college and in life.
“I’m always amazed at what the kids come up with, what they can do, what they can succeed at, how, for example, I would have teachers come in and observe the class and they couldn’t tell the sophomores from the seniors any more in discussion level.” said Kearney decathlon coach Christine Hunnicutt. “That for me as a teacher is so motivational it’s an incredible feeling to see unfold before your eyes.”
“This is a smaller and smaller world every year,” said program volunteer Executive Director John Anstey. “And if these kids aren’t able to develop an understanding of these various different countries, ideas and cultures, they’re going to be left in the dust. We don’t want our students in Nebraska left in the dust.”
Students also tested in subjects including art, literature, and history. Winners of the regional will advance to state competition in February.