West Branch Academic Challenge Team Celebrates Seniors

On Wednesday, February 1, the West Branch Academic Challenge team celebrated its seven senior team members before a match against United.

After school, and before their rival team arrived, the seniors were presented with fanfare as the pep band played. Each of the seven West Branch seniors was introduced and greeted with cheers from their fellow team members and loved ones in attendance. The group celebrated with pizza and chocolate cake before the match against United Local.

The West Branch Academic Challenge team is made up of 16 team members (6 varsity players and 10 JV players) who work together in groups of four as they compete to gain the most points in the trivia competition with other local districts. The team begins practicing in October and competes in 7 season rounds before entering the area tournament in February.

With points on the line, teams must calculate the opportune time to ‘buzz’ in to answer a question considering the system of points has an increased risk for incorrect answers, but a higher reward for correct answers depending on which point in the reading the question is answered.  In each round, four team members work together, collaborating to gain the most points against their opponents, strategizing as they work their way through trivia questions.

“I appreciate the memories you made for me and the teamwork you put forward,” said Allyson Hartzell, Academic Challenge Team President, to her close-knit team during senior night. The team celebrated three wins out of the four matches between JV and Varsity against United on Wednesday evening.

West Branch Academic Challenge Team will participate in two more regular season rounds before the area elimination tournament begins February 22.

Seniors on the West Branch Academic Challenge Team were celebrated with fanfare on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. The pep band played, and each senior was introduced and recognized as part of the event.

Academic Challenge senior night included cake and pizza. Pictured: Top row: Grace Vence, Makiah Kutz, Allyson Hartzell, Zach Fediaczko Second row: Jocelyn Carte, Ren Lee, Croesus Brock

West Branch 2022-2023 Academic Challenge Team. Pictured: Top row: Haidin Bryant, Mollie McDorman, Gavin Clay, Ariana Aldridge; Second row: Alaina Schluneker, Mary Buehler, Peter Blanchard, Emma Kosenski; Third row: Jocelyn Carte, Grace Vence, Ren Lee, Zach Fediaczko; Front row: Makiah Kutz, Allyson Hartzell, Croesus Brock; Standing: Deb Hartzell, Mary Jo Kidd