Middle College High earns second straight title at National Academic Decathlon

Competing against 17 schools up to six times its size in the small and medium school division (Division IV) at Saturday’s Bloomington, Minnesota award ceremony, the 230-student school bested competitors with as many as 1,400 students.  Even when ranked against schools of all sizes, LMCHS achieved an amazing 8th place out of 83 competitors.

The competition challenged the students with two days of grueling academic tests, essays, interviews, speeches, and a fast-paced Super Quiz public event.  Preparation for this year’s competition began last summer and required an arguably heroic commitment to frequent in-school, after-school, weekend, and holiday study.

This year’s winning team included students Randen Banuelos, Anna Crownover, Nathalia DeSouza, Benjamin Guerrero, Jasmine Oliveira, Ethan Reis, Beau Reynolds, Renee Snell, and Nikolas “Niko” Valentino.  Coaches Allen Tong, Janet Bengtson, and John Bengtson, along with assistant coach Macy Gage, provided instruction, support, and needed (but ever-so-loving) motivation.

In addition to their team win, individual members acquired an impressive 25 event medals.  Medals won included:  Most Valuable Team Member (Benjamin Guerrero – chosen by his teammates as the most spirited and encouraging member, earning a $250 scholarship); Highest Scoring Team Member (Randen Banuelos, earning a $250 scholarship); Music (Banuelos and Beau Reynolds, gold; Ethan Reis, silver; and Ben Guerrero, bronze); Art (Banuelos, gold; Reynolds, silver; and Jasmine Oliveira, bronze); Math (Banuelos, gold; Niko Valentino, silver; and Reis, bronze); Language and Literature (Reis and Jasmine Oliveira, gold; Reynolds and Banuelos, silver); Economics (Banuelos and Reis, bronze); Science (Reis, gold; Banuelos, silver; and Valentino, silver); Social Science (Banuelos and Reynolds, gold; Oliveira, bronze); and Speech (Nathalia DeSouza, silver).

"All of us at Lemoore Middle College High School are proud of the students and coaches that have worked so hard in the Academic Decathlon," said the school's principal, Charles Gent. "It is exciting to win one national championship but to win back to back. It's truly amazing and a testament to all of their hard work."

Six students won special scholarship awards for their total (all events) scores against all other Division IV students within their GPA category.  In the Varsity GPA category, Nico Valentino took 3rd place ($500 scholarship), and Jasmine Oliveira took 2nd place ($750 scholarship).  In the Scholastic GPA category, Beau Reynolds took 3rd place ($500 scholarship), Nathalia DeSouza took 2nd place ($750 scholarship), and Ethan Reis took 1st place ($1,000 scholarship).  And finally, Randen Banuelos took 2nd place in the Honors GPA category ($750 scholarship).

Niko Valentino, a 17-year-old Middle College High School senior, will attend West Hills College next year and then enroll at Fresno State where he expects to earn a history degree summed up the experience: “It's definitely an awesome feeling to bring back two national championships to Lemoore," he said while waiting for his plane to leave Minneapolis. "I had a strong feeling we were going to win, but there was still that little bit of nerves."

And Valentino gives credit where credit is due. “I definitely think we’re all intelligent, but I have to say our teachers have been a big part of our having succeeded. They are an important part of our team.”

All nine students also earned a team gold medal for their performance in the Super Quiz competition.  Warn TSA…the airport metal detectors are going to need recalibration.

The competition is over.  With wave after wave of accolades still ringing in their ears, it’s been more than just a little overwhelming.  While not every such effort is so richly rewarded, for these few who early on committed themselves to excellence—to doing their absolute best—the link between effort and success has been forged strong — a priceless life lesson to cherish.  But for now:  they’re just looking forward to returning to their valley, and families, as national champions.