Academic Decathlon

On February 3rd and 4th,  Academic Decathlon will be competing with many schools in the Glendale region in a 10-event competition. This event will determine fi the team makes it to the state competition. 

Jodie Donner, the academic decathlon advisor, said that it is “a unique opportunity to learn study skills” and “focus on one topic through a variety of different ways.”  Donner believes the “kids have a pretty good chance” since they have a full team this year.

Donner explains how the academic decathlon competitions have 10 events including  testing, speech, resume, interview, and presenting an impromptu speech. The questions in the resume, interview, and speech events can be about anything. She explained this is a “very impressive thing to do without research or prepping.” Donner explains that they have been preparing all year; therefore, all three groups honors, scholastic, and varsity will be attending the state-wide academic decathlon competition in March. 

 Senior Mohammad Alkurdi, club member,  stated, “I’m also so glad we made state, it was a great achievement for us”. When asked why people should join the club, Alkurdi explained that “it really brings out leadership skills and communication skills.” Alkurdis first two years of being a part of the academic decathlon were online due to COVID, and he said, “my experience this year really made up for it! I genuinely can’t wait for state.” 

Senior Bella Guzman, Senior was also asked about her highlight thus far in the academic decathlon. She explained that, “winning my own medal in math this year was a highlight.”  Guzman also explained how “it improves your ability to succeed in the classes you’re already taking and makes it easier to study and remember information.” 

Guzman said that some of the challenges of being part of the Academic decathlon was “finding the time to study and prepare for competition while also focusing on AP classes and other clubs.” While that may have been difficult at times,  she still feels that it was “valuable because although it requires some work, it is ultimately rewarding.”