CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Morgantown High School’s Team 1 earned the Academic Showdown Championship Title this week.
The competition’s finale took place at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston on Tuesday. Bluefield High School was named the runner-up.
More than 90 teams from 50 different high schools across 31 West Virginia counties have competed in seven regional competitions hosted at college campuses statewide this year, the largest field of participating schools ever. 71 teams were in the Showdown last year while 21 teams participated in 2022.
“The Academic Showdown has been a game changer over the past three years,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “The excitement continues to grow along with the participation among our schools. Some of the scholars have participated every year because this program challenges them with rigorous competition.”
Teams were made up of students in grades 9-12. They were tested on their knowledge in math, science, history, fine arts, general knowledge and pop culture.
For winning the Showdown, each member of Morgantown’s team received $2,000, courtesy of Microsoft®. Bluefield’s team members each received $1,000 and Wheeling Park team members received $750.
Sawyer Rudy from Morgantown High School was named the Academic Showdown MVP. The tournament’s Most Valuable Player was awarded $1,000.
“Celebrating the Showdown like we celebrate sports brings more awareness to academics and encourages other students to join academic events,” said Morgantown High School Team 1 Captain Sawyer Rudy.
Those selected to the All-Tournament Team received $325:
Simeon Schray, Huntington High School
Steven Tian, Morgantown High School Team 2
Preston Hetrick, Morgantown High School Team 1
Nathan Yost and Quinn Brown, Bluefield High School
The WVDE also provided grants to each participating school to support their Showdown program.