First-Time Competitors Take On the Region
Since 1996, Gallaudet University has been at the forefront of promoting academic excellence, healthy competition, and sportsmanship among Deaf and Hard of Hearing high school students through the highly anticipated Academic Bowl competition. This annual event brings together teams from across the country to showcase their knowledge and skills. This year, our team had the privilege of participating in this coveted competition, and while we may not have emerged as champions, the experience was truly invaluable.
Before receiving an invitation to compete, our students had to first take a screening test. The top twenty schools in each of the country’s four regions are invited to compete. Winners of the regional competitions will then compete at the national competition held at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C.
As first-time players, our three-member team tackled the challenge with tenacity. The three-day competition is executed bracket-style with matches covering a wide range of subjects, including Arts and Entertainment, Current Events, Language and Literature, Mathematics, Popular Culture, Science and Technology, Social Studies, and Sports.
While the days were challenging, hosts of the event encouraged mingling amongst schools by facilitating plenty of ice breakers and fun activities at night so the students could socialize and relax. It was a joy to watch our students form a community with peers from across the region – they roller skated, danced, laughed and made new, potentially lifelong friends. They learned about other Deaf schools and programs, met diverse people and expanded their world view.
We are grateful to Gallaudet University for providing this platform, and we look forward to competing again next year. With hard work, we’re sure our students will rise to the challenge and become champions before they graduate!