Needham High School To Appear On WGBH's High School Quiz Show

BOSTON, MA — After competing hard in November's qualifier, Needham High School is one of 16 teams set to square off against Belmont High School in the first round of WGBH's 10th Annual "High School Quiz Show."

Support some of Needham's brightest as they test their knowledge and quick wit in a televised rapid fire format. The teams will answer questions in categories including math, science, pop culture and history. The competition airs at 6 p.m., Saturday on WGBH.

With the help of coaches Ken Brooke and Brad Walker, the team spent the school year working hard and preparing for the limelight, but the team ultimately likes to keep things casual and enjoy their passion for trivia.

"We're probably more casually interested in trivia than the rest of the teams competing," senior Seth Lockwood said. We don't practice everyday, but I would say it doesn't lessen our interest and passion for trivia. We love what we do."

Much of this team has at least a year of experience, competing on the "High School Quiz Show," and for the most part team members said they weren't nervous during the competition. Anne Kiely, who also competed last year, said she was ready to go.

"Last year was definitely fun," Kiely said. "I think you're more nervous before than when you're in the middle of the competition."

Lockwood and his teammates agreed saying the process of waiting and putting on makeup for television are definitely the most stressful part of the competition.

"The anticipation is the worst when you're in this green room," Lockwood said. "Once you're on the show, it's just natural answering trivia."

Needham's team said they are confident they can go far because of their individual strengths. Every team member had a favorite trivia subject, and are genuinely excited to contribute.

Some said their strength was science fiction, while most of the team also identified history and Norse mythology as strengths.

"I'm always amazed how much they know about Norse mythology," Walker said.

Lockwood, who identified literature as one of his greatest strengths said that although the team does rely on each other's strengths, it's how well-rounded they are that gives the team the most confidence.

"As a team, we are kind of well-rounded. We all have a decent amount of trivia knowledge in lots of different categories."

If Needham High School defeats Belmont, the team moves on to the second round, which airs on April 20. Support your community, and tune in Saturday to find out.