|
CONTACT: Shannon Haber |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 16, 2022 |
Grover Cleveland Charter High School Wins Los Angeles Unified Academic Decathlon
LOS ANGELES (February 16, 2022) – Grover Cleveland Charter High School in Reseda is the winner of the Los Angeles Unified’s 41st annual Academic Decathlon, a rigorous scholastic competition that challenges students’ knowledge and skill in a variety of subjects.
“Bravo to our Grover Cleveland Charter High School decathletes for winning the Los Angeles Unified Academic Decathlon,” Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Our students and coaches have shown incredible grit and dedication, and we are so proud of everyone who competed this year. We will all be rooting for all of the teams in the upcoming state championship.”
The theme of this year’s decathlon is “Water: A Most Essential Resource,” with students spending countless hours of intense study preparing for multiple-choice tests in art, economics, math, music, science and social science, as well as prepared and impromptu speeches, an interview and an essay. Due to the current health crisis, the academic tests were administered online, while the speeches and interviews took place in a hybrid format with students physically gathering at their own schools, while judges reviewed and scored their speeches and interviews online and via Zoom.
Coached by Grover Cleveland Charter High School teacher Danielle Taklender, the winning team of students—Carol Fares, Dressel (student only uses their last name), Cristina Gonzalez Carbajal, Kleber Ordoñez Puac, Indhra Muralidharan, Noah Ewell and Janeth Roldan—took first place with 37,221.67 of a possible 60,000 points.
The Grover Cleveland Charter High School team will compete in the California Academic Decathlon, a virtual contest, held March 5 through 12. Ten additional Los Angeles Unified schools have been invited to participate in the state competition because of their high scores. They are: Van Nuys Senior High School, 34,917.67; Bell Senior High School, 34,650.00; Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies Magnet (SOCES), 33,142.33; Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences, 33,099.67; John Marshall Senior High School, 33,046.17; Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy, 32,027.00; James A. Garfield Senior High School, 31,565.67; Abraham Lincoln Senior High School, 31,547.33; Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets, 31,189.00 and Gardena Senior High School, 30,469.00.
In addition to the team scores, Carol Fares from Grover Cleveland Charter High School earned the highest individual score with a total of 7,583 points, followed by Matthew Cortez Aguilar from Garfield with 7,406.67 points and Momoko Nakazawa from Marshall with 7,382.50 points.
The following coaches were recognized as Coaches of the Year: Felisa Isakson and Albert Lam from Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy, Catherine Figuracion from San Pedro High School, Scott Craig from Sylmar High School and Danielle Taklender from Cleveland.
Los Angeles Unified is an Academic Decathlon powerhouse, with its schools holding 23 state titles and 19 national championships.
“Congratulations to the students at Grover Cleveland Charter High School for winning this year’s Academic Decathlon and to all the students who participated in the competition,” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “I commend you for your impressive performance, your hard work, and your commitment to your team.”
“Congratulations to the winners of this year’s LA Unified Academic Decathlon, and to all our high-scoring schools—especially Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies and Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnet from Board District 4,” Board Vice President Nick Melvoin said. “We are proud to have so many talented students and educators participate in this tradition of fun, learning, and friendly competition in our district.”
“Congratulations to Grover Cleveland Charter High School and to some of our best, brightest and hardest-working students from across Los Angeles Unified,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “The Academic Decathlon gives our students an opportunity to shine as they learn study skills, analytical thinking skills, reading comprehension and mathematics that apply to everything in life.”
“Felicidades to the amazing students and staff at Grover Cleveland Charter High School for their outstanding academic performance,” Board Member Mónica García said. “It’s truly remarkable to see students across Los Angeles Unified continuing to reach higher despite challenges. I am so proud of our Board District 2 students and school community for representing and displaying the great outcomes of increased access.”
“Congratulations decathletes, administrators, coaches and all who participated in this year’s Academic Decathlon,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “I am extremely proud of Grover Cleveland Charter High School, the Los Angeles Unified winners of the 41st Academic Decathlon competition. Your dedication and perseverance have paid off and are continuing the legacy of excellence in Los Angeles Unified and Board District 3. Keep up the good work and good luck in your future endeavors.”
“Academic Decathlon achievement demonstrates students’ knowledge and proficiency, but also shows excellence in goal setting, dedication, and follow-through,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “These impressive qualities take students where they want to go in life. Congratulations to Grover Cleveland Charter High School and a special shout out to Bell High and Principal Barragan for earning such high scores in the competition.”
“Congratulations to the decathletes, coaches and families of Grover Cleveland Charter High School for your well-deserved win at this year’s Academic Decathlon, and a special congratulations to the teams at Gardena High School and Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy for your perseverance throughout the competition,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “This is such an amazing achievement and I’m so proud of all that you accomplished to get here. Thank you for leading by example through your hard work and dedication.”
“As a long-time champion of education in our communities, we are proud to once again sponsor the Los Angeles Unified Academic Decathlon and recognize the hard work and achievement of these outstanding students,” California Credit Union CEO Steve O’Connell said. “We congratulate the Grover Cleveland Charter High School Decathlon team for bringing home the gold this year. The talent and energy shown by every participant in the decathlon was inspiring to all of us, and we wish each of them great success in their studies.”