Academic Decathlon is a way to engage and diversify student learning. Across two days, a group of nine students went to Highland Park High School to compete in 10 events against other schools. They competed against many schools, including Plano East Senior High School and Rowlett High School.

Winning Lakeview’s only medal, senior Joseph Zamora represented the blue and gold of LCHS on the podium when he placed second for the essay portion of the scholastic division. As a first-year decathlon competitor, he was ecstatic about representing Lakeview at regionals.

“Being the only medal winner was bittersweet because it’s supposed to be a team effort,” Zamora said. “Though I did win, so that was nice.”

Another student that performed admirably during the two day competition was junior Parker Lynas, who got the second most points for Lakeview.

“Hopefully next year I can focus more on Academic Decathlon and do better for the team and myself,” Lynas said.

First-year Academic Decathlon sponsor Katy Wallace, who took over from English Teacher Bunnie Light, had a lot to say on her first competition. She hopes to improve her team and their performance next year after laying the foundation this year.

“I was volunteered by Mrs. Light to be in charge of this, and I took it because it is a new experience and I wanted to see how it goes,” Wallace said. “Now that the first year is over, I know where our strengths and weaknesses are and hopefully we can push to state next year.”