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High schools meet for academic decathlon in Yuma
Feb 06, 2013 (The Sun - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
A total of 17 high schools across southern Arizona convened in Yuma recently to compete in the 2013 Regional III U.S. Academic Decathlon (USDA) competition.
Of the 178 students that competed in the contest, the team from Canyon del Oro High School of Tucson was named the winner. Coached by Chris Yetman, the trio of Jacob Rockland, Alex Molina, and Rose Booth bested the second place team of contestants from Marana.
From the local area, Gila Ridge High School placed 10th, Yuma High School place 15th and Kofa High School placed 16th in the contest.
Divided into honors, scholastic and varsity level categories, students were judged by over 150 members of the community, including Capt. Staci Reidinger, director of MCAS public affairs office, and 18 Marines of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. Judges evaluated students based on their range of knowledge and ability to evaluate what they know and organize and communicate their thoughts.
"Students compete and are evaluated in a wide-ranging matrix of disciplines that are purposely designed to identify their skills in future leadership," said Dr. Frank Kidd, who worked as a judge and a test proctor during the event. "Competitive evaluation includes student's recall of specific knowledge of a broad range of topics. Students also are rated for their ability to express themselves in both written and oral formats and to communicate their understanding and expertise on world affairs."
The competition was themed around Russia this year and included examinations in art, music, language and literature, mathematics, economics, science and social science. Communication tests include writing an essay, delivering a prepared and an impromptu speech, and being interviewed.
"Participating in academic decathlon helps prepare students for life by stressing hands-on learning of life skills and work ethic," Kidd said. "The expectation to learn materiel above and beyond their high school coursework and learning how to work together as a team and support each other can greatly improve a student's high school experience."
Kidd shared that past Decathon students that graduated from local high schools include people like Jonathan Bass, who is currently serving as a member of the U.S. Department of State in the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India; Adam Flynn, a graduate of Princeton; Sam Schilders, a service member in the Coast Guard; and Robert Clark, a service member with the U.S. Air Force.
___ (c)2013 The Sun (Yuma, Ariz.) Visit The Sun (Yuma, Ariz.) at
www.yumasun.com Distributed by MCT Information Services
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