Saturday, March 29, 2008

These students really grasp Civil War facts

Jackie Schlotfeldt News-Bulletin Staff Writer; jschlotfeldt@news-bulletin.com

Belen Nine of Belen High School's best took on four other schools in the state Academic Decathlon competition in February, and their months of studying paid off as they brought home a second place win for the district.

The two-day event tests the knowledge of each individual competitor in a grueling competition that covers 10 college-level subjects in areas of art, music, science, social studies, mathematics, literature, economics, essay, interview and speech. Students are required to write an essay, perform prepared and impromptu speeches and participate in a professional job interview before a panel of judges.

Students also participate in Super Quiz, which is a part of the competition that contains 40 written questions, and a relay section, which allows participants to answer five questions, within seven seconds each. The timed part of the quiz counts for 40 percent of the score.

Each year, students are also given a theme to study, and this year the students were well schooled on the Civil War.

"It's a hard thing to do," said their academic coach Matt Williams. "You have to be tough."

Five schools competed in this year's academic competition. St Pius took first place, scoring approximately 4,000 points more than Belen High School. Third place went to Rio Rancho, with Artesia coming in fourth and Oñate High School placing fifth.

"Four thousand (points) isn't that much in this type of competition," Williams said.

Prior to the state competition, the students compete for a position on the team on which only 12 are eligible to compete at the regional event. From there, only nine continue on to compete at the state level.

Each team of nine students is divided into three categories based on their academic grade point averages. The "A" or Honors team, the "B" or Scholastic division and the "C" or Varsity division allows students from all achievement levels to compete against students in their divisions. The overall team scores are calculated by taking the top two scores from each division.

This year, the team brought home a total of 29 medals, including nine gold, seven silver and 13 bronze.

"It takes months and months of preparation," student Joseph Esquibel said.

"If you're not determined, you will fail," Sebastian Martinez added. "It's hard work."

While the two days of competition are tough, Donna Jaramillo said for her the waiting for the results was the hardest part. "Your emotions are going crazy."

Although the students start preparing when school starts in the fall, studying on average an hour a night, the week before the state competition is often referred to as "hell week." The students are fully focused on the competition and studying non-stop.

"We take a series of field trips and do research," Williams explained. "We bring in guest speakers and visit museums and just really focus on the subjects of study."

Although the students are individually scored on their tests, Williams said they all work together in order to do their best.

"They're a very tight-knit team," he said.

And while the students study different areas of subjects for the competition, what they walk away with at the end of the class is a greater appreciation for subjects they never thought they'd like.

"What it does is it really clarifies what people are good at and what they like and gives them a direction to go in college life," Williams said.

They have also learned the importance of teamwork. Catalina Berry said she's learned better study skills and stress management through the class as well.

"It also teaches you time management," Victor Nevarez said.

"And it carries over to your other classes," Jessica Luna added.

Williams said he has definitely seen the students grow over the year, not only as individuals but as a team. The students said other teachers have noticed it as well.

"Everyone makes a strong team," Williams said.

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