The Academic Showdown will soon be upon the intellectual terrain in West Virginia.
That’s the name of the cerebral competition fronted by the state Department of Education.
Student teams in grades 9-12 from all across West Virginia pit their brains in the showdown.
The state Department of Education and Higher Education Policy Commission will again sponsor the 2024 edition of the event – along with West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History.
Competitors call the competition, going into its third year, a challenge that also happens to be fun.
Good thing for entertaining aspect, they say.
That’s because it’s a serious, encompassing event.
Make that, a series of events.
Last year, 71 teams, from 40 high schools representing 26 counties, matched wits in the Mountain State.
Students test their knowledge in science, culture and the arts.
The showcase, which commences next month, is set up regionally, with college campuses across the state providing the backdrop.
Same as last year, WVU and neighboring Fairmont State are stops on the 2024 tour.
Teams compete for prize money and prestige.
A team from Morgantown High took the big prize last year.
“What an experience for our team to be named Academic Grand Champion,” then-MHS senior and team captain Carter Herron said after the 2023 finals.
“We have grown to be a great team,” he said, “and even better friends as a result.”
In a place where the academic landscape is ever-changing, the state’s Higher Education chancellor said appreciated the road trip nature of the regional events.
Competitors were given an opportunity to step on a campus they may not have had otherwise, Sarah Armstrong Tucker said.
“These universities welcomed students and their families into their hallowed halls and provided important information about academic offerings, financial aid and college preparation,” she said.
Visit https://wvde.us/ for a schedule and more information on the 2024 showdown.
