Charleston, W.Va. – Morgantown High School has bee crowned the West Virginia Academic Showdown grand champion following the finale at the West Virginia Culture Center Friday. George Washington High School, Kanawha County, earned runner-up.
The finale was part of a three month journey for 71 teams from 40 high schools representing 26 counties competing head-to-head in math, history, sports, fine arts and more. Each team had four students from grades 9 – 12, with a fifth member serving as an alternate.
“What an experience for our team to be named the 2023 Academic Grand Champion,” said Carter Herron, team captain. “We do regional quiz bowl tournaments, and those made us feel more prepared for this event. We have learned a lot of skills together as a team and have grown to be a great team, but even better friends as a result. It’s also nice to see academics supported to this degree.”
The WVDE, West Virginia Legislature, American Electric Power and Microsoft®, provided prize money for teams that participated in this year’s championship:
Morgantown High School Team 1, Monongalia County: $10,000 with each team member receiving $2,500
George Washington High School, Kanawha County: $8,000 with each team member receiving $2,000
Morgantown High School Team 2, Monongalia County: $5,000 with each team member receiving $1,250
James Monroe High School, Monroe County: $4,000 with each team member receiving $1,000
Huntington High School, Cabell County: $3,000 with each team member receiving $750
Berkeley Springs High School, Morgan County and Wheeling Park High School, Ohio County: $2,500 with each team member receiving $625
Ripley High School, Jackson County: $2,000 with each team member receiving $500
Winfield High School, Putnam County and Spring Mills High Schools, Berkeley County: $1,000 with each team member receiving $250
Team Alternates: Alternates are awarded half of the amount according to their team’s final standing
Academic Showdown Most Valuable Player (MVP): $1,000
All-Tournament Team: $3,000 with each team member receiving $500
Carter Herron was also named the Academic Showdown MVP. Matthew Leasure, Berkeley Springs High School; Patrick Ward, George Washington High School; Cameron Mays, Huntington High School; Madisen McMillion, James Monroe High School; Steven Tian, Morgantown High School Team 1; and Sawyer Rudy, Morgantown High School Team 2 and were named to the All-Tournament Team.
“The Academic Showdown makes it plain that our students are academically prepared for great success thanks to their dedication and love of learning,” said State Superintendent of Schools David L. Roach. “We are witnessing the development of West Virginia’s future right before our eyes. I look forward to more scholarly competition in the next school year.”
“I applaud our state for celebrating the Academic Showdown with its enthusiastic support throughout each of the five regions,” said Senate President Craig Blair whose advocacy was behind the creation of the event. “I could not be more proud of the work our students, teachers and families have put into the competition and the support each community has shown our teams. I appreciate the support our sponsors, and I hope with this year’s success we will grow from 71 teams to more than 100 next year.”