For the second year in a row, Galena High School’s Academic Challenge team headed to Eastern Illinois University to compete in competitive rounds of test taking. The team was composed of students from all grade levels to take two tests from categories of math, English, chemistry, biology, physics, engineering graphics, and computer science. Competing against 45 teams in their division, Galena secured 5th place overall, with two team members also earning individual honors.
Experienced Senior Brady Turner placed 4th in Engineering Graphics which was a great contributor to the teams overall placement. “I was very excited when I found out I won and I was glad I was able to help out the team,” Turner said. The fulfillment that came with winning was well deserved for Turner as he is a returning member and steady leader for the team.
Justin Lin ‘28 participated in his first year of Academic Challenge but still came as a huge aid to the team’s success. Even though this was his first year, Lin rose to the challenge and earned a 4th place medal in Computer Science. “Going into the test I felt horrible and nervous because I didn’t do a lot studying,” Lin shared, “so I was shocked to see that I placed so high.” Even with his uncertainty, Lin was able to pull off a much needed win that assisted the team to sail into glory.
Teachers Mrs. Bradbury and Mrs. Schulz were the coaches that prepared members with all they needed to know in order to perform to their full potential. They also coordinated all the logistics of the trip to ensure the trip ran smoothly. Members were treated to a hibachi dinner at Fujiyama the night before the competition and returned to the hotel to indulge in more fun activities. A dip in the pool as well as a Mario Kart tournament kept things fun and boosted team morale before a day filled with rigorous test taking. “I am so very proud of everything this team has accomplished this year and hope that returning to state will become a yearly tradition for the Academic Challenge team!” Bradbury comments.
