On Feb. 7, the UHS Academic Decathlon Team A advanced to the California Academic Decathlon after their standout performances at the Orange County Academic Decathlon competition. Under the guidance of their club mentor, Señor Christopher Esposito, the team consisted of many hardworking and talented decathletes who dedicated themselves to months of preparation.
Academic Decathlon is a nationwide academic competition for high school students, allowing them to compete in 10 subjects, including math, science, literature, social science, economics, art, music, speech, interview and essay. Each year, the competition follows a specific theme, with this year’s theme being “A Changing Climate.”
This year, the UHS Academic Decathlon team placed third overall in Orange County and became one of only four teams in the region invited to compete in the state competition. In addition, 11 individuals earned individual medals and awards in multiple subjects.
Sophomore Samantha Hanson, a JV competitor last year, took on a greater challenge this year by joining the main competition. Hanson also took on a leadership position as Academic Decathlon President and became responsible for organizing club meetings and fundraising events. Additionally, every Tuesday at lunch, she and other commissioners hosted a study session in room 202 to help prepare the decathletes for the weekly Wednesday assessments that determine which team a decathlete would compete in. Despite the added responsibilities, Hanson was one of the top competitors, competing on Team A and securing eighth place as an individual in the entire competition.
“This was really my first board position at UHS, and I really didn’t know what to expect or what to do,” Hanson said. “But being a president was a great experience, and I got the amazing opportunity to truly connect with the people in the club.”
Junior Avril Zhang was also another first-time competitor in the main competition. Joining the main competition meant she had to prepare for subjects that she had never competed in, adding impromptu speeches, interviews, economics and mathematics. Despite it being her first experience, Zhang won an individual fourth place award in the Orange County Academic Decathlon competition.
“My favorite memory of this year’s Acadeca was being at the country award ceremony,” Zhang said. “I was extremely shocked when I heard I placed fourth overall and won $600. Walking on the stage and hearing the jingling of my medals made me feel incredibly proud of myself.”
Many of the decathletes found this year’s competition to be a memorable experience.
“This was my last year competing in the Academic Decathlon, and I had a great time,” senior Sofia Xu said. “I enjoyed bonding with my teammates and eating pizza together during break time on the competition day.”
With their strong performance at the county level, Team A now looks ahead to the state competition, where they will face some of the best teams in California. As they prepare for the March competition, Team A will continue to immerse themselves in flashcards and resource guides, enhancing their knowledge for the challenges ahead.
