The anticipation is growing for the Academic Decathlon (AcaDeca) team as they prepare for a week filled with intellectual challenges. Tomorrow marks the start of their week of competition with three tests: art, music and math.
These initial assessments, however, are only the beginning of their path toward potential state and national recognition. As the week progresses, the team will face additional tests in science, social science, literature and economics at the Regional Competition, which they will host at Gretna East on Saturday.
With opportunities to earn awards in all seven subjects, the team feels ready to put their knowledge and preparation to the test on familiar ground.
“Our team is incredibly focused and excited for the upcoming regional competition,” AcaDeca sponsor Dawn Nizzi said. “We’ve been working hard to refine our skills in each subject area, and I believe our preparation will pay off.”
AcaDeca is a competitive activity that takes place over several months in which students study information across seven subjects: math, literature, art, science, social science, music and economics, ultimately ending with a competition of knowledge between many students from more than 40 schools in Nebraska.
The upcoming competitions hold significant weight for the Gretna East Academic Decathlon team, as their performance will determine their eligibility to advance to the State competition, bringing them one step closer to the coveted national stage in Des Moines, Iowa.
“I’m really excited to see how our team performs at regionals,” Sophomore Max Treangen said. “I have high hopes for our team in the future.”
Last month, Gretna High’s and Gretna East’s Academic Decathlon teams met at an online scrimmage at Gretna High that showcased the talents of both teams. The event turned into a memorable day for East’s team as two of its members achieved noteworthy results. Treangen secured second place and a silver medal in both science and economics while senior Alyssa Hoscheid swept the board, winning first place in all four subjects.
“Winning gold in all four [subjects] was surprising,” Hoscheid said. “I’m glad to have a good team although it is small.”
As the competition season comes into full swing for the Academic Decathlon team, their future lies in their own hands. The upcoming regional competition serves as a critical stepping stone toward their ultimate goal of reaching the national level. The team’s recent success has fueled their determination to excel, and they are ready to demonstrate their dedication.
“I believe our hard work and commitment will lead us to success,” Hoscheid said. “We really need more people to join next year, and I think we’ll be even better off in a couple of years.”