James A. Garfield High School proudly claimed the Superintendent’s Trophy, earning 44,336.10 points out of 60,000 points. Representing Garfield High School, the team of outstanding decathletes – Derek Dominguez, Ana Santos, Davian Valladares, Joseph Villa, Liana Lopez, Julie Lopez, David Ventura, Kimberly Palacios, and Briana Zuniga – showcased their dedication and excellence. Los Angeles Unified holds 23 state titles – more than any district in California – and 19 national titles.
The winners were celebrated in grand fashion by hundreds of dedicated decathletes from 46 high schools, alongside family, friends, teachers, and principals at James A. Garfield High School. Adding to the excitement were Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas, Region East Superintendent Dr. Lourdes Ramirez Ortiz, and Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Dr. Karla Estrada.
Rounding out the top eight spots were Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies with 42,263.20 points, Van Nuys High School with 41,714.60 points, John Marshall High School with 41,241.70 points, Bell High School with 41,129.50 points, Abraham Lincoln High School with 40,181.70 points, Dr. Richard A. Vladovic Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy with 40,056.80 points, and The Science Academy STEM Magnet with 39,849.30 points. James A. Garfield High School and these seven top-scoring district schools are now invited to compete in the California Academic Decathlon competition scheduled for March 19-22 in Santa Clara, CA.
“Congratulations to all of our top-scoring schools in this year’s Academic Decathlon, including the outstanding team from James A. Garfield High School,” Acting Superintendent Andres Chait said. “We are excited to see you represent our community at the upcoming competition in Santa Clara. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated coaches, supportive school leaders, and every participating school. Your commitment to your education and perseverance inspires us all.”
“Congratulations to all Los Angeles Unified schools who participated in the Academic Decathlon, especially the winners from James A. Garfield High School,” Board President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “We will continue to support and cheer them on as they will represent the District at the California Academic Decathlon in Santa Clara. I am especially proud of my Board District 3 school, Van Nuys High School, for being one of the top scoring schools. They, along with the other top scorers, have made our District so proud.”
“What a joy to see Board District 2 schools among the top-performing teams in this competition,” Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “Congratulations to the students and educators of James A. Garfield High School and all our top teams. This reflects the real progress taking shape across our district and the momentum we’re building as they represent our communities at the California Academic Decathlon.”
“Congratulations to all of our LA Unified decathletes, including the top scoring SOCES Knights in BD4,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “Their hard work inspires us, reminds us of the depth and breadth of knowledge and learning in our LA Unified schools.”
“It’s my honor to celebrate our incredible Academic Decathlon scholars and the unwavering commitment of the coaches who guide them,” Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Dr. Karla Estrada said. “To our top scoring schools, including the phenomenal team from Garfield High School, your achievement is inspiring. You have poured your hearts into months of studying, preparation, and collaboration to represent your schools, this District, and our exemplary school communities. We are so proud of your determination and pride. Good luck in Santa Clara!”
“At Los Angeles Unified, we are proud to represent one of the most diverse student communities in the nation,” Academic Decathlon Regional Director Dr. Neena Agnihotri said. “Our Decathletes come from many cultures, languages, and life experiences, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Seeing them shine at the Regional competition is a powerful celebration of resilience, excellence, and the rich communities we serve.”
Many students were honored with scholarships, individual medals, and trophies for academic achievements. The top students who earned the highest scores district-wide include:
- Saket Pamidipathri from Science Academy STEM Magnet, who took home the Super Decathlete trophy for the overall highest scoring student with 8,711.40 points out of 10,000 points.
- Jiali Huang from Abraham Lincoln High School, who was honored as the overall second highest-scoring student with 8,450.0 points out of 10,000 points.
- Joseph Villa from James A. Garfield High School, who was recognized as the overall third highest-scoring student with 8,267.5 points out of 10,000 points.
The Coach of the Year was awarded to Heather Wilson, an English teacher at Bell High School. The Administrator of the Year was awarded to Amy Trinidad, Principal at Mission Continuation High School. The Decathlon, made up of a 10 event competition, was centered on The Roaring Twenties this year.
For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter/X at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.
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