Longhorn Academic Decathlon team turns heads at state. Congratulations!
The Dobie district champion Academic Decathlon team traveled to North Texas this past week for the Frisco State Finals and came back with some honors including:
• 5th in the state as a team
• 3rd in Super Quiz
Top competitors included Jesus Gomez who earned First in the state and Zachary McKenzie who earned fifth.
The Dobie Academic Decathlon team is coached by Selene Verhofstad, Ed.D. and Bob Daughtery. Verhofstad competed in Academic Decathalon while in school and Daugherty has been involved with Academic Decathlon since the 90s.
Verhofstad says, “We each teach subjects that we take the lead on and help students with and we also reach out to our fellow teachers to help with speech/interview/math/literature.”
“We have many practices after school and on Saturday, much like any other sport,” she added.
According to Verhofstad, students are coached to set realistic goals and do what it takes to achieve them. “By the time they reach State level, students take the lead on how they review the material whether it be a small group instruction or review using online tools.”
“Proud of our team, out of 300 competitors from around the state, the results were outstanding,” said Dobie Principal Jorly Thomas.
The United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) is a program that provides high school students an opportunity to experience the challenges of rigorous academic competition through participation in team activities.
HONORS:
· Mary Grace Pelekamoyo
o Bronze in Interview, Music
o Silver in Art
• Chelsea Akinloye
o Bronze Super Quiz
• Isabella Sanchez
o Bronze Super Quiz
SCHOLASTIC:
• Jesus Gomez (1st place Overall and won a $2000 scholarship)
o Gold in Science
o Silver in Art, Social Science
• Victoria Gomez
o Bronze in Super Quiz
• Stephanie Bui
o Bronze in Super Quiz
VARSITY:
• Diego Bonilla
o Bronze in Science
• Martin Nguyen
o Silver in Math, Social Science
• Zachary Mckenzie (Placed 5th place overall and won a $500 scholarship)!
o Gold in Art, Social Science
o Bronze in Science