With pencils poised and minds racing, Del Oro High School’s Academic Decathlon team returned to the competition circuit for its second year, ready to showcase the growth and determination that fueled the team’s preparation.
After a year of hard work and dedication, the team faced its toughest challenge yet. Competing against 12 schools in this highly competitive academic event, the team’s commitment to excellence and teamwork helped it secure a third-place finish in the Super Quiz.
The Super Quiz, held Feb. 1 at Stockdale High School, is a fast-paced, team-based event that tests students’ knowledge across seven subjects, spanning STEM fields like science and mathematics to humanities topics such as literature and history.
Coach Jovanni Garcia expressed her pride in the team’s performance: “Tying for third place with Frontier was a big deal, especially since we were only a few points from second place.”
Garcia added that the team received praise from Coach Gaby Scully at Stockdale, highlighting how well the team performed.
Beyond the team’s collective success, individual members also earned recognition for their dedication. Senior Paola Rivera Lopez, a returning medalist from last year, once again impressed judges and secured third place in the Interview category.
When asked about her preparation process, Rivera shared that she practiced with her friends using past interview questions and refined her responses based on last year’s experience.
Despite some pre-competition nerves, Rivera said she kept calm using a simple technique.
“The five-finger breathing method helped me relax,” she said. “After that, I felt prepared and confident.”
And even with this, she faced a technical difficulty mid-interview; still, she remained hopeful.
Rivera shared, “Being kicked out of my breakout room [where she was having her interview] and sent to another tested my ability to keep a positive attitude.”
Garcia noted the team faced technical challenges.
“The biggest challenge was unreliable Wi-Fi during online tests,” she said. “Thankfully, my hotspot pulled through.”
Rivera said she credits her success to the unwavering support of her team and coach.
“I know they are there to see me do my best, and knowing that made me work harder,” she said.
Alongside Rivera, fellow senior and returning teammate Vincent Tejeda also impressed, earning third place in the Economics category.
Despite just starting economics this spring, Tejeda found smart ways to prepare: “Quick guides are your best friends. They simplify the concepts and put them in an order of increasing complexities that make it extremely easy to comprehend as you progress.”
Tejeda also used flashcards and online resources to sharpen his understanding.
His biggest challenge was the speech and interview portions.
“Learning the material is one thing, but having to make the material myself to then convey to the judges is definitely way more difficult,” he said.
Still, when he heard his name announced for third place, he was stunned. “I was very, very shocked,” he said. “Even though I studied this subject more than most of the others, I definitely was shocked I was third place worthy.”
Alongside that initial shock of hearing his name get called out, he had other circulating emotions.
“I also felt very proud, like I was representing something bigger than just myself with this medal,” he stated.
For future competitors, both Rivera and Tejeda advise focusing on what you enjoy. Rivera emphasizes personal growth over medals, while Tejeda suggests studying subjects that interest you most.
However, the success of the team cannot be attributed to just a few individuals. Every member contributed to the team’s performance, showing exceptional teamwork and commitment.
Garcia highlighted how far the team has come.
“The biggest improvement was their confidence,” she said. “They knew the competition better this year — and each other.”
With the competition behind them, junior Stephanie Coronado and senior Alberto Rojo Angulo shared their thoughts on the experience.
“Academic Decathlon has meant finding a new passion, a new activity to work in and look forward to,” stated Coronado, who also mentioned that the team was a way to fulfill her dream of participating in a television quiz show.
More than the competition, Coronado said she found the team itself most rewarding: “I wish I got to know them sooner, especially since they are graduating. They are some of the most entertaining people to be around.”
Looking ahead, she hopes more students join, emphasizing that dedication to learning material is far more important than academic standing.
“Anyone who is committed to learning the material and having fun is welcome to join,” she stated.
As for the team’s future, Coronado said she believes success will come naturally when each member works toward their own personal goals while supporting the team’s shared ambitions.
Rojo Angulo, reflecting on his journey, noted the intensity of the competition and the valuable lessons it taught him.
“The competition strengthened my public speaking, collaboration and memorization — skills I aim to apply in college,” he said. “Working with my team improved my collaboration, the speech and interview portions boosted my public speaking, and practice improved my memorization.”
Garcia shared her plan to grow the team next year. “I’m working with Dr. Ball (our principal) to create a zero-period class for all grade levels.”
She also mentioned how this change will give students more time to learn the material and earn elective credit.
Looking ahead, recruitment will be key for the Academic Decathlon team as they seek new members for the upcoming year. With most team members graduating, they encourage students to join for the overall experience, gaining valuable skills and contributing to a meaningful extracurricular activity.
Interested students can reach out to Ms. Garcia in Room 913 or any current team member for more information. The team is focused on continuing its success and expanding its reach.
