Restarting the Cycle

For my own little bit of satisfaction, I would like to bring some closure to my writing on this blog.

As a co-captain of the wonderful 2008-2009 Ketchikan High School Academic Decathlon team, I just have to say that I'm really proud of what we were able to accomplish this year and I don't think we could have had a better group of participants. Our team was fourth in the state and we took home seventeen medals, but along with that, I believe all of those who participated were able to get something good from the experience: fun, learning, accomplishment, test taking skills...

Now Elliott and I will be graduating, but I don't think we could have been happier with how our final year went. New captains for next year's team have already been chosen, and I kind of wish that they will take over this blog. I believe they've already taken over "The Captains" gmail account, so perhaps you'll see some new posts here soon.

To next year's team and all others to come - good luck, and have fun!

We Are One Day From Lift-Off

Today is Tuesday. Tomorrow we embark on an incredible journey... well, incredible may not be the right word, but I believe that our team is going to kick some serious ass at this state meet. What should you do in order to make that reality? Here are some suggestions:

• Reread at least a couple of the articles in the Super Quiz and review your evolutionary vocabulary.
• Practice your speech with the intent to be comfortable with it, and do the same with impromptu speaking. Be able to speak cooly and confidently; let the words flow.
• Ensure that you have a basic understanding of Mexican history.
• Review each art piece so that you know its background, artist and content.
• Work on music vocabulary and be ready to recognize each piece by ear.
• Know the novel and the short selections as much as one can.
• Gain a greater appreciation for economics.

Most of all, get ready to win.

Congratulations Team!

As you all are aware - especially the grand total of one person who must read or even care in the least way about this blog (who is also, coincidentally, writing this) - our team was amazing at our home meet. I am ecstatic about how we did of course and I'd type out some scores if I had the information, but I also have a word of caution: We cannot flop at state like Juneau did last year after doing amazing in the regional meets.

Stated in a more positive way - we need to do even better at state. And I know we can; we will!

Updates and Intensification

I don't know about the rest of you on the team, but I am just starting to get pumped up about AcDc this year. Sure the summer stuff was fun, but none of that was serious. At the beginning of the school year we didn't do that much and most people still didn't have their guides. Then we started tackling the SuperQuiz at practice and soon the guides came in. Then just last week we took that first practice test. My friends, as John McCain would say it- my friends, the season has now really begun.

I would like to say that in all honesty both Mr. Powell and I, (as well as Elliott and other past decathletes I'm sure) are all extremely impressed with those first scores. For a first practice test, 300 (the lowest score we had) is not a low score, especially for a SuperQuiz test which is out of 800 instead of 1000 since the other 200 points are distributed in Oral Superquiz. And there were lots of 500's and above! If you got 500 or above you could possibly get 700 or more total on the SQ, which is definitely a competitive score for a medal. Great job team! Now we just have to do as well on all the other topics as we did on the SQ. Next comes Language and Literature.

This morning I have updated the blog as well as The Captains' profile on Blogger and now I plan on working on the website as well. I will see all of you in just about 12 hours, I hope, when I believe some of us will be giving impromptu speeches. Keep up the good work and remember- only four months 'til state!

Peter

The School Year Begins!

Our first practice is this Monday. Think of it! The first practice of the year! How crazy is that?

The basic plan has been we have practice Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday each week for an hour right after school in Mr. Powell's room. See you there!

Third and Final Meeting of the Summer

It will be after the 16th of August! Not on the 16th of August, and not after school starts. I think the start of school would call for a party to really kick off the season. But that's in the future! First- the future of the last summer meeting.

Saturday, the Seventh of June, 5:00, 3818 Fairview Ave.

That's the information for the first meeting. Be there!