SHS continues AcaDeca title streak
Sandpoint High School Academic Decathlon team members pose for a photo after winning the Idaho state championship for the sixth straight year. Pictured, from left, are Hana Luttmann, Genevieve Hughes, Kodo Klippel, Laurelyn Eastley, Kaden Brady, Wyatt Lang, Keane Haesle, Torin Haesle, Analise Mullen, Priscilla Hester, Bren Eastley, Evan Brubaker, Noah Darrin, Matthew Norton, Sophie Capodagli, Kody Botsch, Will Clark, Rachel Fedak, coach Rebecca Haag and team manager Stella Haag.
(Courtesy photo)
For the sixth straight year, the Sandpoint High School Academic Decathlon Team has brought home the state championship — defending the title against 12 other schools throughout Idaho.
Together, the team had the highest scores in all of the competition's 10 categories, winning 92 medals and accounting for 93% of all medals won in its division, not accounting for ties. Academic Decathlon categories include written exams in art, mathematics, music, literature, economics, science, and social science, as well as essays, speeches, and interviews.
The theme of this year's competition is “Technology and Humanity,” and curated learning materials reflected this theme throughout each category.
The competition was held at Boise State University, giving the competitors a brief taste of the college life to come. As well as the rigorous testing schedule, the Sandpoint team also took in the sights with a visit to the Capitol building, where they attended an active legislative session, which allowed the team to watch District 1 Rep. Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay, in action.
With the state championship secured, the primary Sandpoint team will now represent Idaho in the National Championships in Pittsburgh, Pa., later this spring.
Though they have been fundraising since the beginning of the year for this eventuality, they will still need to raise the balance of the estimated $10,000 needed for the trip. Nine students and their coach will be traveling to compete against the best and brightest in the United States. Last year, the team placed third in its division at nationals, proving that they are a serious contender at the highest level.
The students, as well as coach, Rebecca Haag, thanked Lake Pend Oreille School District and Sandpoint High School officials, teachers and students for their continued support. These rising academic stars work hard throughout the year as part of a class offered at Sandpoint High School — a format that has helped ensure the team’s success in this and previous years.
There is no GPA or other pre-requisites to participate — all that’s needed is a competitive spirit and a passion for learning, team officials said. It is truly an all-inclusive activity that fosters the creativity and work ethic of local youth, setting the stage for success in college and beyond.