Arrowhead Middle School Students Will Compete in Orlando, Florida for the National Championships (Gr
A group of Arrowhead Middle School students is bound for Orlando, Florida where they will compete for a chance to be national champions.
Gifted students Josiah Jay, Cobe Tessen, Shane Huddleston, Christian Villarreal, Matthew Lian, and Kai Richardson recently competed in the Regional Championships at Avila University where they went up against 40 other talented students from Kansas and Iowa.
As a result, they have qualified for the National Championship for the Great History Challenge in Orlando, Florida, and will travel there in May.
On Tuesday, March 25, the group was acknowledged for their awesome achievement at a Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools board meeting, where they received a standing ovation.
The Great History Challenge is a nationwide academic competition that covers U.S. and world history, geography, civics, and famous historical figures. The challenge is patterned after the popular TV game show Jeopardy. It’s a fast-paced event that tests student’s historical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to analyze historical events.
“For my gifted students, this journey began in January during gifted instruction when they participated in Round 1, a school-wide virtual competition,” said Middle School Gifted Facilitator Julie Pruett. “Their hard work and historical knowledge shined through, and each of them qualified for the Regional Championships.”
The work is just beginning for this group of students. They are now preparing for the competition in Orlando. Pruett says they will continue reviewing historical content, practice timed quizzes, and engage in discussions to refine their analytical skills.
“To ensure they’re fully prepared for the intensity of nationals, we are going to start mock quizzes to simulate the fast-paced, buzzer-style competition,” added Pruett.
Arrowhead Middle School Principal Lawrence Smith is over the moon with his students and their great achievement. “I am incredibly proud of our students for making it to the national competition,” he shared. “Representing Arrowhead and KCKPS at such a prestigious event is a tremendous achievement. It speaks volumes about their hard work, dedication, and passion for history.”
The students can’t wait to compete in Orlando. “Many of them have never traveled for an academic competition before, so the excitement of heading to Florida for this prestigious event is unmatched,” said Pruett. “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and they are ready to embrace every incredible moment.”
We wish them the best of luck at the national championships!