Los Alamitos High School Wins Big At Academic Decathlon

LOS ALAMITOS, CA — After a 13-year hiatus, Los Alamitos High School returned to competing in the Orange County Academic Decathlon (OCAD). Led by head coach, Mrs. Kendall Ostermann and assistant coaches, Ms. Samantha Burke,

Mr. Josh Lee, Mrs. Janice Tiratira, and Ms. Krista Trescott, the team was formed during the months of September and October of this school year.

Los Al was entered into Division 3, which consists of 16 total teams. The theme this year was World War II.

For newcomers to Academic Decathlon or Aca Deca, teams are comprised of nine students and participate in two-days of rigorous competition during which students answer a wide range of questions in ten academic subject areas, each connected to the year's theme.

In addition to the test categories, students must compose an essay, deliver a prepared and an impromptu speech. The competition culminates Super Quiz that is conducted in the gymnasium of the host school, with each team rotating students who respond after each question.

The OCAD Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, February 10, at Santa Ana High School. The Griffins earned a total of 33 individual medals for placing in the top five in each subject area, including one student in the top 10 individual overall for Division 3. The team also took 3rd place for the Super Quiz and won 1st place Overall for Division 3.

This year's Aca Deca team members are Jacob Rips, Katie Kubiatko, Joshua Rips, Kayhan Bakian, Frederick BremerBalestracci, Justin Vierregger, Dylan Madrid, Margaret Barath-Lane, Laura Kubiatko, Stella Kang, and Lindsay Park.

Dylan Madrid, a senior, won eight total medals, including five for 1st place and a top 10 in Overall Individual.

Kayhan Bakian, a junior, took home seven total medals, including a 1st place for Speech.

Los Alamitos Unified School District, photo