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RAIN Temp: 42 °F Wind: SSW at 3 mph Monday, April 21, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend March 24, 2003 Phoenix High School�s Academic Decathalon team is representing Oregon in a national competition next month in Erie, N.Y. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell The Phoenix High School Academic Decathlon team will compete at the national level By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune After blowing away the state competition in March, nine Phoenix High School students are ready to flex their academic muscles on a national level. The Phoenix High School Academic Decathlon team is scheduled on April 21 to compete in a four-day, national event in Erie, N.Y. "These guys have been studying on their own time since June," said coach and Phoenix High School teacher Lisa Saleh. "They’ve worked really hard for this." Although most people refer to Phoenix High School’s academic decathlon team as a "brain bowl" team, members say that’s not the case. Academic decathlons quiz both the knowledge and study skills of students through a series of comprehensive tests, essays, speeches and interviews. "A lot of what we do is just tests," said senior Ben Mills-Cannon. "It’s very in-depth." During brain bowls, team members rapidly answer trivia questions in direct competition with an opposing team. "This is not about twitchy fingers and quick answers," said sophomore Stephany Biddle. "Academic decathlons are much different." At the national competition, the team’s nine members will be divided into three groups of three. Each group will include students with "A," "B" and "C" averages. Members will compete in 10 events, with topics in art, math, history, social science, literature, economics and music. The special category selected for the competition is oceanography. "A lot of people don’t realize how fun it can be," said sophomore Andy Dreiszus of the competition. "Going to nationals is the chance of a lifetime." "There are so many categories; there’s always something to chose from," added sophomore Victoria Morefield. Last year, the Phoenix High School team took home second place at the state competition. This is the academic decathlon team’s second year competing, and its first trip to nationals. To prepare for each competition, team members study on their own time, and also meet after school to hone in on their study and test-taking skills. "It’s a club, just like tennis or football. It offers them an opportunity to challenge their minds as well as their bodies," said Saleh. Students who win at competitions take home scholarships. During the state competition, Morefield earned a $1,000 scholarship, senior Megan Merriman-Sprung won $200 and Biddle nabbed a $200 scholarship. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Funding the trip Before its members can compete at a national competition in New York, the Phoenix High School Academic Decathlon Team must raise $1,000 for the trip. The team has already gathered $4,000 in donations to pay for plane tickets, but coach Lisa Saleh said an additional $1,000 is needed for lodging and other expenses. The team has scheduled a car wash Saturday, April 5, at Angelo’s Pizza Parlor, 725 N. Main St., Phoenix, from noon to 4 p.m. Residents can also make a donation to the academic decathlon team at any Umpqua Bank, or purchase raffle tickets at Phoenix High School. Local businesses have donated a number of items — from tickets to the Ashland Cabaret to a hand-made quilt. For more information, contact the high school at 535-1526. Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S