Everyone knows about the sports that go to state. The teams that have huge send-offs with firetrucks and banners; however, very few notice the many academic clubs that go to state, and with great success, almost every year. These students work hard to represent Cascade not only with brawns, but with brains as well.
One such team is Publications. For the first time ever, CHS Publications participated in an in-person statewide competition. Washington Journalism Education Association (WJEA) puts on conventions, competitions, and camps for teens in journalism. This year Avery Houghton (9), Gwen Pehowski (9), Maddy Black (11), Paige Runions (10), Isabel Menna (11), and Caroline Menna (10) traveled to Mountlake Terrace High School to compete in a variety of competitions. Gwen and Maddy earned an “excellent” for their news website, Caroline got an “honorable mention” for her editorial timed write, Paige received an “excellent” for her yearbook feature timed write, and Isabel got an “honorable mention” for her yearbook layout. An all-around successful trip for the team.
One academic club not new to success is the CHS Knowledge Bowl team. Last year they brought home the first-place trophy, and this year on March 11th they headed to Wenatchee High School to compete again. "We finished in 2nd - it was very close, going back and forth the whole way, but Port Townsend prevailed in the end,” said coach Massey. The team consisted of seniors Quentin Farrell, Haakon Scheibler, Evan Butruille, and Antonio Aurilio, junior Adrian Renner-Singer, and sophomore Caroline Menna. These six rotated throughout the rounds with four members on an acting team. "I think we did pretty good. The competition was fierce in the last round. The team that beat us got second last year by a slim margin. I think we did worse this year because although we had Haakon, we didn't have Price," said Quentin.
Another club that has been working hard this entire year is Speech and Debate. There are many different events and opportunities to advance at these competitions. Junior Breanna Loomis competed in the duo event with Coal Fiano. "I think we did good overall. None of us broke finals but that's ok because we had a rough season,” said Loomis. Sophomore Rhonan Allen also competed, but in different events. “I was competing in the impromptu competition. I think I did really good. I had a lot of fun messing around with buddies and even meeting some new people,” said Allen.
“Everyone there is super passionate and loved their STEM teachers” said freshman, Napiqua Gibbs, “It’s a bunch of nerds.”
The club with probably the widest range of events is Technology Student Association (TSA). This club offers events spanning from children's story, to fashion design, to VEX robotics. Sophomore Napiqua Gibbs participated in on-demand video and forensic science competitions. “Everyone there is super passionate and loved their STEM teachers” said Gibbs, “It’s a bunch of nerds.” Sophomore Madison Fish competed in the fashion design and photographic technology competitions. “I think we all tried really hard. Tech bowl got third in state. We spent a lot of our time viewing other events,” said Fish.
Not only are CHS sports having successes at state, but so are the many academic clubs. From state and even to nationals, these students are represented in a wide range of events. So next time you hear on the announcements that a club is going to state, be there to send them off or congratulate a successful competitor. They worked hard to be there.
Comments