This weekend, SHS’s AcaDeca went to state in Pocatello to use the knowledge they gained throughout this school year. Run by Dana Stockman, the team earned second place overall.

AcaDeca placed 1st in the Large School Division and in the Super Quiz. Member Shane Curtis was awarded the Phillip Ourada Memorial Award for a perfect score of 1,000 on his interview and almost a perfect score on his speech.

Another member, Sam Jackson, was in the Speech Showcase where he presented a speech to everyone at the Awards Banquet. The Academic Decathlon, which consists of twelve members, overall earned 16 bronze medals, 20 silver medals and 32 gold medals.

Member, Liam Loper who is a senior, was able to meet his personal score goal and placed 1st in his division. He explains the positive experience that the AcaDeca team had and how great it felt to do so well in the competition.

“It felt amazing for us as a whole team. We all did our best and we all did well,” Liam Loper said.

The AcaDeca team works hard all year, learning new things and studying their topics. These competitions give each member an opportunity to present what they have worked hard on that year.

“When we compete, we get to prove ourselves and everything we have learned over the past year on our given topics.” Loper said.

In April, the Academic Decathlon team will be moving on to represent Idaho in the United States Academic Decathlon National Final in Frisco, Texas.