The Academic Super Bowl is a contest where teams of three students complete multiple-choice questions on the topic they studied each year. The students conduct research and studies by delving into topics on a study guide that changes annually, expanding education beyond the classroom. The list of topics students must study is based on a theme. This year’s theme is the 1980s and 1990s.
On April 16, Chesterton High School students competed at the Academic Super Bowl competition hosted at River Forest High School. At this competition, the team placed 1st in four different categories, and 2nd in another. The categories they placed first in were Math, Science, Fine Arts, and Social Studies, and they placed second in English.
Academic Superbowl members Adrian Dooley and Sloane Colburn qualified for state in Fine Arts, which was to be held on May 4, during the same day as the Chesterton High School prom. Because of this, Adrian Dooley was not able to attend the Academic Superbowl, meaning Sloane Colburn competed alone in this competition.
The State Fine Arts competition was between 25 teams, most of which had 5 competitors each. Freshman student Sloane Colburn competed alone for the Chesterton High School team and placed 6th in the division.
“If I’m being honest, I only really signed up to get the opportunity to learn more about art, because it is something that I am very interested in. I did not at all expect to qualify for state and I heavily contemplated not attending the state competition. I hesitantly said yes, but I am very grateful that I did because something I have learned specifically from being a member of the Show Choir and learning from Ms. Morris, is to always take opportunities because they more than likely will ever come back. I heavily live by the saying you only live once, because you really only do live once. I take opportunities wherever I can find them, I’m going to die one day, so why not try and do everything? So even though it caused me a lot of stress to learn all of the material, I am very thankful that I took the opportunity.” Said freshman Sloane Colburn, the solo Freshman competitor at the state competition.
Many members of the Academic Superbowl have spoken about what a great opportunity to expand their knowledge the competitions are. Being a part of the Academic Super Bowl team provides many opportunities for students to expand on their education and build team working skills.
“Students have a great time working as a team, competing against other schools, and learning a lot that can be used in classes at school.” said Dale Hewitt, one of the CHS Academic Super Bowl Supervisors.
Any students interested in expanding their knowledge past what is taught in the classroom for a chance to win prizes should consider joining the Academic Super Bowl team.
