The Academic Decathlon team traveled to San Antonio from Feb. 27 to March 1 for the Thomas E. Moseley State Meet, marking their third consecutive year qualifying for the event. This year’s theme was “Our Changing Climate” and the team prepared by reading guides and practicing questions.

AcDec is eager to continue its legacy and aims to make next year just as memorable. AcDec needs students from all GPA levels to join, especially current sophomores and juniors. As the team looks to next year’s competition, which will feature the theme “The Roaring ‘20s,” they are excited about the challenges and the potential for even greater success.

Senior Parker Easter, the team captain and varsity member, reflected on his time competing. Parker has been a part of AcDec for two years and has earned over 16 medals, including six state medals.

“Competing at state was an incredible experience, but the best part was hanging out with my friends at the hotel,” Easter said. “I don’t think anyone who has joined AcDec in my time competing has ever seriously regretted it.”

Senior Jennifer Dao, the team-building coordinator, joined during her senior year. Dao received several awards, including the highest scoring scholastic at District, Region and State, as well as third place team at District and fifth place team at Region.

“It was tiring, but I had a great time nonetheless,” Dao said. “The competition went by fast and my teammates were definitely the highlight of the trip.”

Dao gave advice to those hesitant about joining the organization due to the amount of studying and competitions.

“I had no clue what I was signing up for and there was a bit of a learning curve at the beginning, but it’s so worth it,” Dao said. “I’ve made friendships I greatly cherish, strengthened my people skills and got better at studying through Academic Decathlon.”

For senior Hazel Hamilton, a varsity member and Publicity Manager, this was her second year in AcDec.

“It was an amazing experience competing at UTSA,” Hamilton said. “The best part was spending time with my teammates, many of whom I’ve known since middle school. It was basically a four-day long sleepover.”

As for future members, Hamilton gives her advice based on her own personal experience and growth journey.

“Don’t be scared,” Hamilton said. “It takes a lot of hard work but it’s genuinely so rewarding and fun. It’s given me so much confidence through the speech and interview segments and it’s greatly enhanced my test taking skills.”