submitted by Erin Clary, Communications Specialist, Berlin Central School District
A team of four Berlin High School students is heading to Chicago, IL, June 7-9 to join teams from all over the country for the Questions Unlimited National Academic Championship. The team was invited to the academic competition after their impressive 11-1 run in the regional Masterminds competition this year.
Kodi Day, Colin Love, Andrew Shoemaker and Emma Woolly, the four members of the Berlin JV Masterminds team, will have their knowledge tested through an academic trivia competition, not unlike the game show “Jeopardy” but with far fewer pop culture questions.
According to their teacher and coach, Matt Christian, the students have worked hard all year and will benefit from the experience. “This is an honor for them to be invited, and it would be so prestigious if they win,” said Christian. “And it’s a rare opportunity for them to get out and see the world.”
The students credit their success thus far to their ability to work as a team. Each student specializes in his or her own category and together they have easily defeated their competitors.
“We all have our strengths, and it’s one of the reasons we’ve been so successful,” said Woolly. “It’s exciting that we made it this far. We’re going to learn a lot from it, and I hope it brings attention to the Berlin JV Masterminds so that other people will want to join.”
All four students said they are looking forward to the big trip.
“Masterminds has been a great experience, and now we’re getting a trip out of it,” said Shoemaker. “It’s also really good motivation to keep your grades up and to continue good academic practice.”