The Perry High School Academic Decathlon team competed in the State competition last week at ADM High School in Adel, with the “1960s: A Transformational Decade” lending thematic unity to the contests.
Each participant wrote an essay, delivered a speech, held an interview and was tested on his or her knowledge in the areas of art, music, social studies, science, economics, mathematics and literature.
The PHS team finished eighth overall in the Small School Division, and the alternate team took fifth place in the Small School Alternate Division.
Four Perry students were individual medal winners. In the Varsity Division, Krista Hines earned a bronze medal for her third-place essay. In the Scholastic Division, Camden Studer brought home a gold medal for his first-place finish in the Essay category, and Madison Mason also took first place, earning a gold medal with in the Interview category.
In the Scholastic Alternate division, Bree Martin earned seven medals, including four bronzes for third-place finishes in the Art, Music, Math and Essay categories, and three silver medals for second-place finishes in the Economics, Literature and Science categories.
State competitors included PHS seniors Kayla McFarland, Camden Studer, Madison Mason, Devin Carrillo and Krista Hines, juniors Alexandra Tasler, Kaylynn Bousman, Bailey Piper and Bree Martin and sophomore Jocelyn Hopkins.
The PHS Academic Decathlon team is coached by Teresa Kresse and Lisa Schumacher.
“Congratulations to the entire team,” said Kresse. “All the students performed well and represented their school proudly.”
Schumacher said the young scholars “are excited to begin preparation for the 2019-2020 competitions, which will be themed, ‘In Sickness and in Health: An Exploration of Illness and Wellness.'”
