On to State and Nationals: CHS's academic clubs excel

The CHS Knowledge Bowl Team in action. Photo Credit: Hazel Eschen. 

Cascade High School’s academic clubs have excelled once again this school year, with many of them advancing to state and national contests. These groups, spanning fields from scientific inquiry to entrepreneurial ventures and journalistic pursuits, provide students with indispensable outlets for exploration, skill development, and peer collaboration. Their accomplishments, which they are now showcasing on the grand stage, reflect the dedication of students and advisors across the CHS community in a range of disciplines. 

Among the CHS academic clubs that have seen extraordinary success in the 2024-2025 school year by advancing to higher-level competitions include Knowledge Bowl, Technology Student Association (TSA), Speech & Debate, and the Publications Group.  

The Knowledge Bowl team, coached by Dayle Massey, qualified for the state championship, held in mid-March every year in Wenatchee, through a series of regional competitions. Led by senior captain Caroline Menna, and senior Caden Peterson, the team easily advanced through the initial rounds and ultimately took fourth place in the state. “I’m proud of these kids,” said Massey. “The team includes some of best students and we show year after year that Cascade High School can compete well with any school in Washington.” 

Advised by Teara Dillon, TSA, which helps students advance their STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics – skills, has achieved state qualification for a significant number of its members. Students will compete at the 2025 Washington TSA State Conference in Spokane in various categories, including transportation modeling, children’s story illustration, problem-solving, and fashion design. 

“We almost always send someone to State, and this year we are sending no less than 15 of our members,” explained sophomore TSA standout and TSA treasurer Elliot Tiegel. When asked about the team’s prospects, Tiegel continued: "From State, we have some good opportunities to move on to Nationals. We sent two teams last year, including our fashion design team, which placed third. So, I think the odds are in our favor.” 

The Speech & Debate team, coached by Nicol Mathers, perennially does well enough at the district level to qualify for the WIAA Washington State Speech and Debate Championships. This year, in Tacoma, senior Reese Mathers led the team by reaching the semifinals in Poetry and Informative Speaking.  Not to be outdone, juniors Mia Schons and Coal Fiano placed fourth in the Duo Interpretation category. Fiano also placed sixth for Humorous Interpretation.  

Last but not least, the CHS Publications Team, advised by Roselyn Robison, may be the most heralded group on campus. In each of the five years since Robison took the helm, “Pub” has been awarded either first or second place in the country for both the CHS Yearbook and its newspaper, The Kodiak Chronicle, from the American Scholastic Press Association. In April, the incoming and outgoing editors will travel to Seattle to demonstrate their journalistic skills and standards at the National Journalism Education Association’s annual conference. “We have such a strong team led by Ms. Robison; I’m looking forward to us being able to show that, in person, to the country next month,” stated next school year’s Publication Group Editor-in-Chief, Avery Houghton. 

Each of these teams highlights CHS and Cascade School District’s (CSD) commitment to providing students with opportunities for intellectual and practical development at the highest level; the students’ participation in these state and national events represents a culmination of their efforts and preparation.  

In addition, the impact of these clubs extends far beyond the classroom. Through teamwork, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences, students develop invaluable skills that will serve them well beyond their high school years. 

CSD’s mission is “Continuous Student Development” to “cultivate potential for life-long success.” CHS’s vibrant academic clubs stand as a testament to the district and school’s commitment to that success by nurturing the minds of tomorrow’s leaders.

CSD’s mission is “Continuous Student Development” to “cultivate potential for life-long success.” CHS’s vibrant academic clubs stand as a testament to the district and school’s commitment to that success by nurturing the minds of tomorrow’s leaders. With each meeting, competition, and triumph, these clubs inspire a new generation of students to reach greater heights and leave an indelible mark on their communities, if not the world.