The West Regional Academic Bowl is a national competition that brings together students to showcase their knowledge and teamwork. This event tests participants on various subjects, including Arts and Entertainment, Current Events, Language and Literature, Mathematics and Science and Technology. Explicitly designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, the event fosters academic excellence and community. This year, the UHS Deaf and Hard of Hearing Academic Bowl team placed 4th. The following exceptionally performing students will travel to Washington D.C. later in April: seniors Cindy Rodriguez and Aleena Suazo, sophomore Aissa Carvalho and freshman Erik Lozada.
The team underwent extensive preparation and dedication to succeed and place in the competition. Their success required consistent study sessions, which involved quizzing each other, reviewing material during lunch breaks and putting in significant effort to refine their knowledge. The team dedicates every Wednesday lunch period to preparation.
“We practiced during lunch every Wednesday, using either the WABL slides for our matches or [spending] time quizzing each other,” Carvalho said.
The competition can sometimes be intense and stressful, making team support and composure essential. Competing under pressure may be challenging, but having a strong and encouraging team dynamic helps contestants perform at their best.
“I tell my team to take a deep breath in and out to stay calm and focused,” Lozada said. “Also to trust in our preparation as well as to support each other. Always making sure to give it their best.”
Handling pressure is one of the many essential skills in the competition. Especially in high-stakes moments, the fear of making a mistake or letting the team down can add to this pressure. However, staying focused and having confidence has helped the team overcome the pressure to perform.
“I just took deep breaths throughout every match and reminded myself to go with my gut instincts every single round,” Carvalho said.
Hard work and dedication go into these competitions, making the experience rewarding and exciting for competitors. When it is time to compete, the team can demonstrate their talents and skills.
“I’m so excited to compete against other schools in matches and put all our hard work to the test,” Lozada said. “It’s a great opportunity to challenge ourselves and showcase our knowledge.”
The West Regional Academic Bowl was more than just a competition; it was a test of dedication, teamwork and resilience. While matches can be challenging, maintaining a supportive team makes a significant difference. Regardless of the outcome, the experience of competing, learning and growing together truly mattered for many.
