John Paul II High School places third in the academic decathalon national small school competition

by PegNews wire

For the second consecutive year, the John Paul II High School Academic Decathlon team is the third place team in the United States Academic Decathlon national small school competition. The JPIIHS team also garnered 13 individual medals, including six gold medals.

JPIIHS scored 30,653 points, just behind second place Moniteau (PA) High School’s 31,137. First place went to University High School from California, with 34,237 points.

This year the JPIIHS AcDec team has earned nearly $15,000 in scholarships, seven team medals, and 109 individuals medals, finishing first in its region, second in the state, and third in the nation.

Earning medals in the national competition were: Ryan Lemens: gold in honors essay and honors social science, and silver in honors math; Ryan Miller: gold in varsity economics and varsity math, and silver in varsity essay; Larry Li: gold in scholastic math and silver in scholastic essay; Lauren Eaton: gold in varsity math; Nima Jalili: bronze in scholastic language and literature and scholastic math; Conan Butterly: bronze in varsity language and literature and varsity super quiz (science).

Other team members contributing to the win were Caroline Dillard, who placed sixth in honors language and literature; Erin Hansen, who earned a fourth place in honors language and literature, and Morgan Rees, who placed eighth in scholastic art.

“This is a fantastic recommendation for our program and this group of students,” said Amy Eckler, team coach along with Suellyn Chesal. “To be third in the nation two years in a row is an amazing achievement and we are thrilled to be among the best teams in the country.”

“We also have to thank all our parents and JPIIHS administrators and staff for their support of the team. It’s a long competition season and they have been with us every step of the way.”

Source: John Paul II High School