By Fernando Leiva
April 8, 2024
Recall Spiderman: Homecoming? Yes, Peter Parker was a teenage superhero, but did you know he was also part of the Academic Decathlon?
The Grant Lancers Academic Decathlon team is looking for members of all grade levels and GPAs to join a fun and ambitious team to compete in several categories ranging from literature, science, and interviews for medals and scholarships.
What is the Academic Decathlon?
At its core, the Academic Decathlon is a ten-event competition. Every year, AcaDeca teams across the country receive a core theme under which they will study and compete in several subjects through online tests using a set of provided reading guides. For example, the upcoming 2024-25 theme is Climate Change, the breakdown for each event is as follows.
Literature: Reading the novel Solar Storms by Linda Hogan and short stories related to climate change
Science: Intro to environmental science
Art: Intro to environmentalist art
Music: Music and “the natural world”
Math: Algebra and statistics
Social Science: The history of climate change
Economics: Intro to micro and macroeconomics + economics of climate change
Essay: Write a timed essay about a given topic
Not only are you able to study an array of subjects related to a year’s theme, but there are also in-person events where you compete against students from other LAUSD schools:
Speech: present a prepared and impromptu speech
Interview: participate in a live interview
Super Quiz: the most exciting of all ten events— you participate in a live, jeopardy-style competition with the Lancers team against other schools!
Why Join?
While the Academic Decathlon certainly requires dedication, you always have support. Whether it is helping each other out with understanding concepts or preparing for competitions, you will be joining a dedicated and supportive team.
Wilfredo Lucas, a sophomore who joined the Grant Academic Decathlon in his freshman year, shares his experience in AcaDeca, “Joining the Academic Decathlon is an excellent opportunity to learn something you wouldn’t learn in your regular classes… This competition instills discipline and allows you to meet other Grant students, win medals and scholarships, and is a great extracurricular for college apps. Regardless of your interests, there is something for everyone in this competition.”
We are looking for members of all GPAs and/or grade levels. For more information, see Mr. Campos in room 212. We look forward to having you join us!
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