Stanislaus, Merced, Calaveras students set to test their brains

MODESTO -- Academic Decathlon competitors will face off today and Saturday in Stanislaus, Merced and Calaveras counties.

The contest is a brainpower matchup through a two-day series of tests, speeches and interviews. This year features the theme, "Russia," and the novel "Doctor Zhivago" by Boris Pasternak.

Students compete in the areas of art, economics, language and literature, mathematics, music, social science and science.

"The competition is open to all students, not just the top achievers," Stanislaus contest coordinator Barbara Little said. "Our objective is to recognize student achievement and to emphasize the positive dimensions of education."

In Stanislaus County, the public is invited to the Super Quiz and awards presentation, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Saturday in the Gregori High School gymnasium, 5518 Stoddard Road. There is no charge for admission.

In Merced County, the public is welcome Saturday at the 3:10 p.m. Super Quiz and the awards ceremony at 7 p.m., in the Merced College Theater, 3600 M St., Merced.

The Calaveras competition will include students from Tuolumne County as well. It will be held at Bret Harte High School, 323 S. Main St., Angels Camp.

For more information, or to volunteer, contact Sharon Miller at (209) 736-6013 or smiller@ccoe.k12.ca.us.

Winning teams will represent their counties at the state competition March 14-17 in Sacramento.

The Stanislaus competition is sponsored by the Stanislaus County Office of Education, the Gallo Foundation and MOCSE Credit Union.

Merced County sponsors are the Hattie Givens Testamentary Trust, Kemper CPA Group LLP, Educational Employees Credit Union and Merced County Office of Education.

In addition, the Merced Schools Employees Federal Credit Union donates $5,000 to sponsor the Robert Wayne Scholarship Program.

Calaveras sponsors are the Calaveras County Office of Education and the Teichert Foundation.