Grafton and Bridgeport high students to represent region at state Academic Showdown
Mar. 11—FAIRMONT — Two teams from North Central West Virginia will advance to the 2024 State Academic Showdown in Charleston next month.
After a day of competing on the campus of Fairmont State University, Grafton High Team 1 placed first and Bridgeport High Team 2 placed second, earning both teams a spot in the finale on April 23 at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston.
The Fairmont State regional competition featured students from Braxton County, Bridgeport, Grafton, Lewis County, Liberty, Paden City, Weir and Williamstown high schools. No teams from Marion County took part in the regional competition.
With increased interest among schools each year, approximately 90 teams registered to compete this year, an increase of 19 teams over the 2023 Showdown season. Students in grades 9-12 go head-to-head in rounds where they answer rigorous questions about math, history, fine arts, pop culture and more, showcasing their academic prowess and critical thinking skills.
Academic Showdown is a partnership between the West Virginia Department of Education, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History.
The first regional competition was held on the campus of Marshall University on Jan. 13. Huntington High Team 1 placed first and Winfield High Team 1 placed second.
On Feb. 9, West Virginia University hosted a regional competition in which Morgantown High Team 2 placed first and Morgantown High Team 1 placed second.
West Virginia State University hosted the next regional competition on Feb. 23 in which George Washington High Team 1, out of Kanawha County, placed first, and Buffalo High, from Putnam County, placed second.
There are three more regional Academic Showdown competitions scheduled before state competition.
On March 16, Concord University hosts the competition and on March 23, Southern W.Va. Community & Technical College hosts a regional.
The final regional competition before state will be held April 12 at Shepherd University.
