(KMJ) – The final round of the 34th Annual Fresno County Academic Decathlon takes place on Saturday, February 6th.
No leisure time for Edison High School sophomore Riley Budd and his teammates.
After school, on weekends through Thanksgiving and Christmas, practically every waking hour – they’ve been preparing for the Academic Decathlon with study sessions under the guidance of their coach, Edison High School History teacher Gary Mrkaich.
“If you don’t have the background of practicing and practicing, and practicing – then there’s really nothing you can do at the competition.” – Riley Budd, Sophomore, Edison High School.
Budd and other students from Fresno, Clovis, Reedley, Selma and Firebaugh compete on their knowledge of subjects such as art, math and literature.
At the beginning of the day they take 7 tests – 30 minutes apiece.
“And then at the end of the day, we are going to be moved into the gym and do something called the super quiz, which is 12 questions, several rounds and we get to talk to each other about a question for 10 seconds and then give our final answers.” – Riley Budd, Sophomore, Edison High School.
The Academic Decathlon’s a prep for the rigors of college… and there’s the social aspect.
“It’s really a bond that comes together as a team.” – Riley Budd, Sophomore, Edison High School.
Saturday’s competition will take place on the campus of Central High School East.
