Riverside County students showcase their academic prowess at the 41st annual Academic Decathlon, where high school competitors will go head-to-head in a series of challenging events. The theme for this year’s competition is Technology and Humanity, highlighting the increasing role of artificial intelligence in our daily lives. Hosted by the Riverside County Office of Education, the Academic Decathlon features a range of tests and activities to assess students’ knowledge and skills.
Eleven high schools from Riverside County are participating in the multi-day competition, which kicked off with virtual rounds on January 13. The students will engage in seven written tests, essay writing, speech delivery, impromptu speaking, and interviews to showcase their academic strength. The highly anticipated Super Quiz, a team event, will also be held in front of a live audience. Each team consists of nine students, representing different grade point categories.
The first day of the competition saw the students tackling essay writing and objective tests. The remaining events, including the speech and interview sections, will take place on January 27. The Super Quiz, the only public event of the competition, will commence at 1 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 4 p.m. Both events will be held at Canyon Springs High School in Moreno Valley.
The highlight of the awards ceremony will be the announcement of the team that will represent Riverside County at the prestigious California Academic Decathlon. The California state champion will then advance to the United States Academic Decathlon. The sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to showcase their intelligence on a national level is an excellent incentive for the participants.
Last year’s champions, Western Center Academy from the Hemet Unified School District, made history by claiming the title for the first time. The second, third, fourth, and fifth positions were secured by Elsinore High School, Corona High School, Beaumont High School, and Hemet High School, respectively.
In anticipation of this year’s competition, the 11 participating high schools are Beaumont High School, Corona High School, Hemet High School, Western Center Academy, Elsinore High School, Temescal Canyon High School, Valley View High School, Vista Del Lago High School, Heritage High School, Great Oak High School, and John W. North High School.
The Academic Decathlon provides a platform for students to showcase their intellectual abilities and learn from each other. With the theme of Technology and Humanity, participants are encouraged to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and the human experience. This competition fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and teamwork, preparing students for future academic and professional endeavors.
As the competition draws to a close, the Riverside County Office of Education remains dedicated to promoting excellence in education and nurturing the next generation of leaders. The Academic Decathlon serves as a reminder of the incredible potential and talent present in the students of Riverside County.
