The gymnasium at the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center buzzed with anticipation as more than 720 high school students from 47 teams across the Los Angeles Unified School District gathered for the 44th annual Academic Decathlon on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2025. The event, a showcase of intellectual prowess, featured two hours of fast-paced competition, culminating in the highly anticipated “Super Quiz.”
For Lauren Monzen, a 16-year-old from John Marshall High School, the experiance was nothing short of exhilarating. “This is my first year at Academic Decathlon,” she said. “I didn’t really think it’d be like this. This is really exciting.I love the energy, and I’m just really happy right now.” Monzen and her teammates had spent months preparing, poring over flashcards, debating complex topics, and dedicating countless hours to reading. Yet, nothing could fully prepare her for the thrill of standing before a packed audience, ready to put her knowledge to the test.
The competition, held in downtown Los Angeles, brought together some of the district’s brightest minds.Students had just 10 seconds to answer challenging questions, testing their quick thinking and depth of knowledge. The event was a testament to the dedication and hard work of these young scholars, who had spent months preparing for this moment.
the Academic Decathlon is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of academic excellence. This year’s event marked the return of the “Super Quiz,” a highlight that showcased the district’s top high school scholars. The atmosphere was electric, with students and spectators alike caught up in the excitement of the day.
| Key Highlights of the 44th LAUSD Academic Decathlon |
|———————————————————|
| Participants | 720+ students from 47 teams |
| Location | Edward R. Roybal Learning center, Los Angeles |
| Event Date | February 2, 2025 |
| Main Competition | Super Quiz |
| Readiness | months of studying, flashcards, and debates |
The event not onyl highlighted the academic achievements of these students but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. As Monzen put it, “I love the energy.” The Academic Decathlon continues to be a platform were young minds can shine, proving that dedication and hard work truly pay off.
For more details on the competition and its participants, visit the Daily News coverage.Los Angeles Unified School District Academic Decathlon Returns with Thrilling “Super Quiz” Competition
the Los Angeles Unified School district (LAUSD) Academic Decathlon made a triumphant return on Saturday, February 1, 2025, with its highly anticipated “Super Quiz” competition. Held in Los Angeles, CA, the event showcased the intellectual prowess of some of the district’s top high school scholars, drawing cheers from classmates and even appearances from school mascots.
The atmosphere was electric as students from across the district gathered to compete in this rigorous academic challenge. “Classmates cheer for the school during the Los Angeles Unified School District Academic Decathlon,” captured in a photo by Gene Blevins, highlighted the spirited support from peers. the event not only tested students’ knowledge but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and school pride.
The “Super Quiz” is a cornerstone of the Academic Decathlon, challenging participants in subjects ranging from science and literature to mathematics and social studies. Teachers played a pivotal role in delivering the questions, ensuring a fair and engaging competition. As one photo caption noted, “Teachers deliver the questions during the Los Angeles Unified School District Academic Decathlon,” underscoring their dedication to nurturing young minds.Adding to the excitement, some schools brought their mascots to rally support for their teams. “some schools had their own mascots show up during the Los Angeles Unified School District Academic Decathlon,” as captured in another image by Gene Blevins, further emphasizing the festive and competitive spirit of the day.
The Academic Decathlon is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of academic excellence and a testament to the hard work of students and educators alike. This year’s event marked a significant return, reigniting the passion for learning and intellectual growth among LAUSD’s brightest scholars.
Key Highlights of the 2025 LAUSD Academic Decathlon
Table of Contents
- los Angeles Unified School District Academic Decathlon Returns with thrilling “Super Quiz” Competition
- LAUSD Celebrates Academic Excellence Amid Challenges at the 2023 Academic Decathlon
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Event | LAUSD Academic Decathlon “Super Quiz” |
| Date | february 1, 2025 |
| Location | Los Angeles, CA |
| Participants | Top high school scholars from LAUSD |
| Highlights | School mascots, teacher involvement, and enthusiastic student support |
| Photographer | Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer |
The LAUSD Academic Decathlon continues to inspire and challenge students, proving that academic achievement is as thrilling as any athletic competition. For more information about the event, visit the LAUSD website.
Stay tuned for updates on the winners and highlights from this year’s competition, and don’t miss the chance to support your local schools in future academic events!
los Angeles Unified School District Academic Decathlon Returns with thrilling “Super Quiz” Competition
The Los Angeles Unified School district (LAUSD) academic Decathlon made a triumphant return on Saturday, February 1, 2025, with its highly anticipated “Super Quiz” competition. Held in Los angeles, CA, the event showcased the intellectual prowess of some of the district’s top high school scholars, drawing attention from educators, families, and the community.
The competition, captured in vivid detail by contributing photographer Gene Blevins, featured students from across the district engaging in a rigorous test of knowledge. Teachers delivered challenging questions, while teams worked collaboratively to demonstrate their academic expertise.The atmosphere was electric, with participants and spectators alike immersed in the spirit of intellectual competition.
One of the standout moments of the day came when the Verdugo Hills High School team erupted in cheers after securing first place. Their victory was a testament to months of preparation and dedication, highlighting the importance of academic excellence in the LAUSD community.
The Super Quiz: A Highlight of the Decathlon
The “Super Quiz” is a cornerstone of the LAUSD Academic Decathlon, designed to test students’ knowledge across a wide range of subjects. This year’s event was no exception, with questions spanning literature, science, history, and more. The competition not only challenges students academically but also fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and a love for learning.
key Highlights from the Event
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Date | February 1, 2025 |
| Location | Los Angeles, CA |
| Featured Competition | Super quiz |
| Winning Team | Verdugo Hills High School |
| Photographer | Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer |
A Celebration of Academic Excellence
the LAUSD Academic Decathlon is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of the district’s commitment to fostering academic achievement. By providing a platform for students to showcase their talents, the event inspires a culture of learning and intellectual curiosity.
As the Verdugo Hills High School team basked in their well-deserved victory,the event served as a reminder of the incredible potential within LAUSD’s student body. The district continues to prioritize educational excellence, ensuring that its scholars are equipped to succeed in an increasingly complex world.
For more information about the LAUSD Academic Decathlon and its impact on students, visit the official LAUSD website.All photos courtesy of Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer.Los Angeles Unified School District Academic Decathlon Returns with thrilling “Super Quiz” Competition
Los Angeles, CA – February 1, 2025 – The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Academic Decathlon made a triumphant return this weekend, showcasing the intellectual prowess of the district’s brightest high school scholars. The highlight of the event, the “Super Quiz relay,” tested students’ knowledge across a range of subjects, from economics to the arts, all centered around the theme “Our Changing Climate.”
Held on Saturday, the competition saw decathletes tackling challenging multiple-choice questions in a team-based relay format. The stakes were high, with the top-performing team set to take home the coveted “Titan gold Cup.”
Verdugo Hills High School Takes the Lead
At the conclusion of the event, verdugo Hills High School emerged as the tentative leader, followed closely by Northridge Academy High School in second place and Garfield High School in third. The official winner will be announced at the Academic Decathlon Awards Ceremony on February 22 at East Los Angeles College.
The highest-scoring team, along with any wild-card teams, will advance to the state competition in March, held in Santa Clara.A Celebration of Academic Excellence
The “Super Quiz” competition is a cornerstone of the Academic Decathlon, designed to challenge students’ critical thinking and teamwork skills. This year’s theme, “Our Changing Climate,” added a timely and relevant dimension to the event, encouraging participants to engage with pressing global issues.“Students have all the tools to answer questions during the Los Angeles Unified School District Academic Decathlon,” noted Contributing Photographer Gene Blevins, who captured the event’s vibrant energy.
Key Highlights of the Event
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Theme | “Our Changing Climate” |
| Top Teams | Verdugo Hills High School, Northridge Academy High School, Garfield High School |
| Awards Ceremony | February 22, east Los Angeles College |
| State Competition | March, Santa Clara |
Looking Ahead
As the Academic decathlon continues to inspire and challenge students, the upcoming awards ceremony promises to be a celebration of hard work, dedication, and intellectual achievement. Stay tuned for the official results and follow the journey of these extraordinary scholars as they prepare for the state competition.
For more information on the Academic Decathlon and its impact on student development, visit the official LAUSD website.
Photo credits: Gene Blevins, Contributing photographer
LAUSD Celebrates Academic Excellence Amid Challenges at the 2023 Academic Decathlon
The 2023 Academic Decathlon, hosted by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), was a testament to resilience and intellectual achievement. Against the backdrop of recent wildfires and national tragedies, students from across the district came together to showcase their academic prowess, proving that dedication and hard work can shine even in the toughest times.
A Legacy of excellence
LAUSD has a storied history in the Academic Decathlon, holding 23 state titles—more than any other district in california—and 19 national titles, according to the district’s website. This year’s competition, held at the district’s headquarters, was no exception. Students tackled complex topics ranging from climate change to past revolutions, demonstrating their ability to apply knowledge across disciplines.
“Considering what our community went through recently with the wildfires, with strong winds, many attributing the severity of those fires to climate change. I’m very proud that our students are leading the way,” said LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho.
A Competition for All
The Academic Decathlon is designed to include students of all academic achievement levels. Participants are divided into three divisions: varsity (GPA below 3.199), scholastic (GPA between 3.20 and 3.799),and honor (GPA of 3.800 or higher). This structure ensures that every student has the prospect to compete and excel.
The competition consists of five key events: an essay, an interview, a prepared speech, knowledge tests, and the highly anticipated Super Quiz, which takes place in front of a live audience. Each correct answer during the Super Quiz sparked a wave of celebration, with students waving green slips of paper to signal their success.
A spirit of perseverance
For Apollo Colligan, a junior at The Science Academy STEM Magnet, the Decathlon has been a transformative experience. “I think definitely the ability for dedication and hard work that this requires is 100% applicable to regular school work,” he said. Colligan joined the team as a freshman, drawn by the year’s theme on the American Revolution, and has been a dedicated participant ever since.
His coach, Ben Parks, who began leading the team the same year Colligan joined, takes immense pride in his students’ achievements. “These kids, they have the knack for it, and they are excelling at such a high level,” Parks said. “And it’s just a pleasure to watch them grow.”
A Meaningful Celebration
This year’s Decathlon held special significance for LAUSD Board President Scott Schmerelson, a long-time supporter of the event. “What impresses me this year is we have so many problems …it’s just so sad,” he said. “Yet we still come together to celebrate academic excellence, and that is very significant.”
The event was attended by key district leaders, including Chief Academic Officer Dr. Frances Baez, Region North Superintendent Dr. David Baca, and Educational Transformation Officer Dr. Robert Whitman. Their presence underscored the district’s commitment to fostering academic achievement and resilience among its students.
Key Highlights of the 2023 Academic Decathlon
| Aspect | details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Divisions | Varsity (GPA < 3.199), Scholastic (GPA 3.20–3.799), Honor (GPA ≥ 3.800) |
| Events | Essay, Interview, Prepared Speech, Knowledge Tests, Super Quiz |
| Theme | Integrated across art, economics, literature, music, science, social science |
| LAUSD Achievements | 23 state titles, 19 national titles |
Looking Ahead
The Academic Decathlon continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, inspiring students to push their boundaries and tackle complex global issues. As LAUSD students prepare for future competitions, their dedication and hard work serve as a reminder of the power of education to unite and uplift communities.
For more information on the Academic Decathlon and its impact, visit the United States Academic Decathlon website.
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What inspires you most about academic competitions like the Decathlon? share your thoughts in the comments below!Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies Repeats as LAUSD Academic Decathlon Champion
For the second year in a row, the Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies (SOCES) has claimed the coveted Superintendent’s Trophy at the 43rd Annual LAUSD Academic decathlon. This remarkable achievement solidifies SOCES’s reputation as a powerhouse in academic competition, showcasing the dedication and brilliance of its students.
The LAUSD Academic Decathlon is a rigorous competition that tests students’ knowledge across a wide range of subjects,from science and mathematics to literature and the arts. Winning back-to-back titles is no small feat, and SOCES’s triumph highlights the school’s commitment to academic excellence and teamwork.
“This victory is a testament to the hard work and determination of our students and faculty,” said a representative from SOCES. The nine-member team’s performance was nothing short of stellar, earning them the top spot in a field of fierce competitors from across the district.
Key Highlights of SOCES’s Victory
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Event | 43rd Annual LAUSD Academic Decathlon |
| Winner | Sherman Oaks center for Enriched Studies (SOCES) |
| Achievement | second consecutive Superintendent’s Trophy win |
| Competition Scope | Tests knowledge across multiple academic disciplines |
| Team Size | Nine-member team |
The Superintendent’s Trophy is the highest honor awarded at the LAUSD Academic Decathlon, and SOCES’s back-to-back wins underscore the school’s dominance in this prestigious event.
As SOCES celebrates this incredible achievement, the school is already looking ahead to future competitions. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we’re also focused on continuing to push the boundaries of academic excellence,” the representative added.
For more details on SOCES’s victory and the LAUSD Academic Decathlon,visit the original article.
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