Yosemite High wins again in academic event
In a battle of wits, Yosemite High School, triumphed for the 23rd time in 24 years making them the champions of the 36th Madera County Academic Decathlon.
Yosemite will advance to the state competition March 22-25 with a score of 33,039.6 to compete against the best teams in the state.
Six schools competed Saturday in this 10-event competition answering questions on the topic Africa.
“We wish Yosemite High School luck at the state competition and are proud of all of our student decathletes for their dedication and determination to succeed in this program,” said Dr. Cecilia Massetti, Madera County Superintendent of Schools.
Chowchilla High School came in second place with Liberty High School placing third. Chawanakee Academy Charter, Madera High and Madera South High also competed in this 10-event competition.
Decathlon teams are comprised of up to 25 members competing in three levels of competition: Honor (A), Scholastic (B) and Varsity (C) students.
Madera South High School won the Super Quiz competition. All students participated in this year’s Super Quiz. The Super Quiz format this year allowed students in each round to discuss the question before making their individual selections.
“The Super Quiz is a great opportunity for parents and community members to see the students compete,” said Massetti.
“This year’s Super Quiz included mathematics questions, so it was truly a battle of wits across all subject areas.”
In all, 121 medals were handed out at the awards ceremony. Chawanakee Academy Charter received a total of 13 medals: 3 bronze, 3 silver and 7 gold. Chowchilla Union High received 29 medals: 9 bronze, 15 silver and 5 gold. Liberty High was awarded 20 medals: 9 bronze, 3 silver and 8 gold medals. Madera High received 19 medals: 7 bronze, 7 silver and 5 gold. Madera South High received 4 medals: 3 bronze and 1 silver. Yosemite High was awarded 36 medals: 14 bronze, 12 silver and 10 gold medals.
For the third straight year, Caleb Lynch, a junior from Chawanakee Academy Charter, was the top scoring decathlete this year, scoring 7,747.6 points across the 10 events.
The top scoring senior from each school will receive a $100 scholarship. The following students earned the senior honors:
Chawanakee Academy Charter, Benjamin Johnson.
Chowchilla Union High School, Anna Nomicos
Liberty High School, Holly Hiatt.
Madera High School, Jacob Diaz.
Madera South High School, Alejandra Flores.
Yosemite High School, Olivia Mattos.
The Yosemite High team members who will be attending the state competition, led by coach Carol Calderwood are: Honors Division, Olivia Mattos, Kelsey Montalto, Hannah Hurtado; Scholastic Division, Bryce Talbot, Alexia Dahlin, Burke Stewart; Varsity Division, Emily Anderson and Dillon Doss.
The Madera County Academic Decathlon is funded by donations from local businesses and community members.
The Madera County Schools Foundation supports the event.
