The Academic Decathlon (ACADEC) is a unique and inclusive program designed to foster academic excellence among high school students across Texas. By categorizing participants into teams based on their Grade Point Averages (GPA) (honors, scholastic, and varsity) ACADEC creates a competitive yet supportive environment where students can showcase their knowledge and skills in a variety of subjects. From math and science to literature and art, students engage in rigorous competitions that not only challenge their intellect but also provide opportunities for scholarships and grants. This introduction to the ACADEC program highlights its structure, goals, and the invaluable experiences it offers to participants.
The students in ACADEC are coordinated into different teams based on GPA: The honors team made of students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher, the scholastic team made up of students with a GPA of 3.2-3.79, and the varsity team with a 3.19 and below. The teams compete on the basis of categories: 7 objectives (math, science, economics, social science, literature, art, and music) and 3 subjectives (essay writing, interview, speech). Each of these respective teams compete in meets and competitions: district, region, and state. All other respective types of teams in Texas go against each other, gathering to showcase their academic abilities. The competitions are structured to foster a spirit of collaboration and healthy competition among students from various schools. Each meet consists of both written tests and performance events, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in diverse ways. Mrs. Husk, a coach for the program, summarizes the schedule of the class for teams that succeed outside of district.
“After the district meet, student scores in respect to their teams are evaluated to determine the team for the second semester […] [and] for those who make the team, they spend additional weeks preparing for the regional competition at the end of January, and if successful, they advance to the state competition at the end of February.” Said Husk.
Gaining scholarships and grants through competitions is the primary goal for students who partake in ACADEC. In order to get those rewards, students begin the class by preparing for district meets where they compete against other highschool center districts just before Thanksgiving break. From there, the participants’ scores from the district meets then translate to whether they made the team that represents Lake Ridge. Whether a student makes the team or not determines if a participant gets to compete in the regional competitions, and if won, the state competitions. It’s at these state and often regional competitions where students may be subjected to scholarships and grants provided by the state. Awards are often given out too, which in addition to scholarships and grants, can be great to put in resumes when submitting to college apps and jobs. The opportunity of these gifts aren’t just limited to the higher teams; ACADEC is the only competition where Texas provides rewards for all teams, recognizing the efforts of the teams from A to C. Chris Do, a senior who participated in two competitions recruits, showcases all of the awards he had received from competing in the program.
“In terms of rewards, last year I got first place honors at our district meet, and I got four for fifth place individual. And then this year I also got second place math, first place economics, third place essay and third place social science.” said Do.
ACADEC encourages everyone to join, and although the meets and competitions may seem intimidating to students, people don’t need to be good in school to thrive in this environment. Granted, academic performance typically gives students an advantage through developed studying habits, you need passion and expertise in a subject will help competitors flourish in the classroom of ACADEC. In ACADEC, proficiency in subjects that are minimal to what schools offer have a place to shine and receive benefits, ranging from art history to economics. Andrew Katbeh, a student that was on the “C” team, comments on the inclusivity of the program.
“I feel like [a student] doesn’t necessarily need to be a very ‘good’ student to participate, but in order to compete in stuff like state, you need a built work ethic and preferably a subject that [a student] excels in, […] and if they don’t have those they can develop it in the class, so I think anyone can join [the program].” said Katbeh
ACADEC stands as a testament to the belief that academic achievement is accessible to all students, regardless of their academic standing. The program encourages participation from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing that passion and expertise can pave the way to success in this enriching environment. With a strong focus on collaboration and recognition, ACADEC not only prepares students for competitions at the district, regional, and state levels but also equips them with essential skills that extend beyond the classroom. By rewarding efforts across all teams, ACADEC nurtures a culture of inclusivity and excellence, empowering students to thrive and excel in their academic pursuits.