The longest-running television quiz show, as recognized by The Guinness Book of World Records, has sparked the attention of several of our own WS students.
The “It’s Academic” team competed in a scrimmage at the NBC studios in Washington D.C. on September 28. Senior and team captain Diana Schulberg, along with juniors Stephanie Roth and Brian Stephenson, participated in the event as the team’s longest members. The scrimmage aired on November 16, a Saturday morning, on NBC 4.
The three students were very excited to be competing, but found their nerves came more from hoping to succeed rather than the knowledge that they would be filmed.
“I was more nervous about whether I would lose or not and scoring points,” said Roth. Their academic skills beat their nerves that day.
The team competed against two other schools; Edison and Gonzaga. Although the private, all-boys school Gonzaga took the win that day, our WS team gained the experience and displayed nothing but a positive attitude.
The preparation the It’s Academic team goes through is admirable and is displayed in their hard efforts and enthusiasm towards the competitions. The “It’s Academic” program is celebrating its 53rd season and features hard-working and highly motivated high school students who are able to display their skills.
The show features three different alternating hosts; Mac McGarry, Dave Zahren and Hillary Howard. Howard, the host that day, went from asking questions to each school’s individually, to all schools at once allowing a short interval of time to formulate an answer.
US Government teacher Elizabeth Jackson has sponsored the team for four years now, recently including Diane Wootan as a cosponsor. Having the chance to compete in Regional and District events allows the students an opportunity to receive a varsity letter. Each member has their own reason for joining the team, whether for the experience or for the extracurricular.
“I joined because my older brother was on the team,” said Stephenson.
As a junior, Stephenson has been on the team for two years and enjoyed the competition at the NBC studios. The three competitors have been on the team for most of their high school career. For them it has been an enjoyable activity and a great way to work their minds surrounded by friends. The team supports all of its members and is determined to continue working hard in their challenging extracurricular.
“It was a good experience…really the main thing is, you have to be quick on the buzzer,” said Roth.