Pictured above in Memphis, Tennessee at National Competition are the 2009 team from left to right back to front: Natalie Pace, Mary Kate Winslow, Thomas Pietrzyk, Mark Hermanson, Micah Dennis, James Cooper, Korey Enright, Jose Martinez, Jessica Gitles (Coach), Brian Tennison (Coach), and Biyang Wang (Captain). Whitney Young Magnet High School has a long and proud history with the Academic Decathlon. Young has been the Illinois State Champions for 23 out of the last 24 years. Furthermore, Young has represented the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago all over the United States. As an example, two years ago the National Competition was held in Hawaii and Whitney Young High School finished 2nd place in the Nation. In another banner year the Academic Decathlon team finished fourth in Division I and fifth overall. For the 23rd out of 24 previous years, Whitney Young has represented Chicago, Illinois in the National competition--this year it was in Memphis, Tennessee. Biyang Wang was second place in individual overall scores with a stellar 9156.7 out of 10,000 points. Every member earned an individual medal at the awards ceremony. The team took a bronze medal in overall super quiz team performance! Natalie Pace earned medals in Art, Music, and Team Super Quiz;; Mark Hermanson earned medals in Team and Individual Super Quiz, Essay, and Art; Micah Dennis earned medals in Art and Team Super Quiz; Korey Enright earned medals in Math, and Team Super Quiz; Thomas Pietrzyk earned medals in Interview and Team Super Quiz; Jose Martinez earned medals in Team and Individual Super Quiz; Mary Kate Winslow earned a medal in Team Super Quiz; James Cooper earned a medal in Team Super Quiz; and Biyang Wang earned medals in Art, Music, Econ, Super Quiz Individual and Team, and 2nd overall for Honors division and the Overall Competition. It was a great group of students, and once again the national newspapers should have Whitney Young in their articles. Whitney Young Magnet High School continues to be recognized in the nation as a top school not just in Chicago, but in the entire United States. Thank you to Jessica Gitles who helped coach the team this year. The success is in large part due to her boundless energy and positive attitude. I would also like to thank the parents of this team who showed unwavering support for their children, and the entire team. It was a truly special year for all of us. Coach, Brian Tennison.
2009-Memphis, Tennessee, 5th in Nation, 4th in Division I, 3rd in Super Quiz 2008-Orange County, California, 5th in Nation, 4th in Division I, 3rd in Super Quiz. 2007-Honolulu, Hawaii, 2nd in the Nation
Current News: Whitney Young Magnet is in the closest race for a national title that it has ever been in our history. We scored 48,468 points at the City Championships which is only a couple of hundred points shy of the California score. As we build toward State competition on March 19 and 20, we are aware of our great opportunity. Competition will be at the University of Chicago and it will be our last chance to see where we stand prior to the National Competition. Micah Dennis was the team high scorer with Captain Natalie Pace close behind. James Cooper, Dohyun Bae, Jessica Baker, Alyssa Bivins, Jose Martinez, Matt Nogier, and Thomas Pietrzyk all had outstanding performances that included all members receiving a medal in at least one subject. A special thanks to our team parents who have supported our members and the team as a whole. Thanks for the Pizza and snacks!!! I would also like to thank our volunteers for the competition. See you at State!! Go Dolphins! The team is coached by Brian Tennison and Shane Goldstein Smith.
Past Super Quiz topics: 2010 - French Revolution2009 - Evolution 2008 - The Civil War 2007 - China 2006 - The European Renaissance: Renewal and Reform 2005 - Exploring the Ancient World, From Empty Space to Incredible Universe: The Sky Is Not the Limit 2004 - America, The Growth of a Nation: The Lewis and Clark Expedition 2003 - Understanding the Natural World, The Blue Planet: Beneath the Surface 2002 - Understanding Others, E-communications: The Internet & Society 2001 - Understanding the Self, Concepts of the Self: Philosophy, Psychology, and Religion 2000 - Looking Forward, Creating the Future: Sustainable Earth 1999 - Looking Inward, The Brain 1998 - Looking Outward, Globalization: The New Economy 1997 - Information Revolution 1996 - The 1995 - Biotechnology: The Next Frontier |
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