Many of the region’s young scholars competed over the weekend in the 43rd Annual Merced County Academic Decathlon, which tested students’ knowledge of math, science, social science, music, art, economics, literature, public speaking and interviews.
Of the 10 Merced County high schools pitted against one another in the competition, Golden Valley High School emerged as the top scoring team with Esteban Castaneda from Merced High as the top scoring student of the day. Golden Valley High School was also the top team for the Super Quiz, according to a news release from Merced County Office of Education.
During the awards presentation, students were recognized for their participation in the competition both individually and as a team.
Three members of each team with top scores will receive a scholarship on behalf of donations and sponsorship from the Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union, the release said.
Sponsor partners also include Educational Employees Credit Union, Merced County Office of Education, Merced Elks Lodge #1240, Merco Credit Union and Travis Credit Union.
Golden Valley High will go on to represent Merced County at the State Academic Decathlon in Santa Clara this March.
This is Golden Valley High’s fourth win in the competition’s history and first win since 2001.
High schools who participated this year include Atwater, Golden Valley, El Capitan, Pacheco, Hilmar, Delhi, Livingston, Merced, Le Grand and Buhach Colony.
Click here for a list of all winners.
