|
 Academic Decathlon is a team competition wherein students match their intellects with students from other schools. Students are tested in ten categories: Art, Economics, Essay, Interview, Language and Literature, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Science, and Speech. Each high school enters a team of nine students: 3 "A" or honor students, 3 "B" or scholastic students, and 3 "C" or varsity students. (Grade averages are based on the student's previous two years and include only academic subjects.) Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded for individual events and total scores. Octathlon (Junior Varsity) is for 9th and 10th graders, while Decathlon (Varsity) is for 11th and 12th graders as well as exceptional 9th and 10th grade students.
Winning teams advance through the local, regional, and state levels of competition. The state champions compete at the national finals. Scholarship monies are also awarded at the national and state competitions, while college admissions counselors attend state and national meets looking for prospective students to recruit.
The program is probably the single strongest preparation tool for success on the SAT, PSAT, and AP exams. The program teaches students to think in a multi-curricular approach and to look for connections. Our coaches teach students to think critically and communicate verbally and in writing to a level required for success not only on college entrance exams but also later in college. The speech and interview events require students to learn to address the public and speak with professionals in a manner most often needed on college interviews.
Lead Coach
Amy W. Eckler, M.Ed.
The lead coach has ten years Academic Decathlon coaching experience and has advanced to the state-level tournament ten times, including the current 2006 medium school meet at which JPII was the only Catholic and the only private school qualifier. Additionally, Mrs. Eckler is a trainer and preparer for the College Board"s SAT reading, grammar, and writing segments.
Assistant Coaches
Mrs. Suellyn Chesal
Mrs. Pam Chaney, M.Ed
Mr. Paul Philp, M.A.
The assistant coaches also have extensive coaching experience in Academic Decathlon, Whiz Quiz, and other academic competitions, both at the state and national levels. Mr. Philp is also a presenter and grader for the College Board’s Advanced Placement World History exam.
Beginning in 2006, John Paul II High School joined the Texas Forensic Association for competitive speech and debate. Texas is well known for its highly competitive speech programs- many colleges recruit specifically from this region. It is due to the overwhelming benefits of these competitions that we at John Paul II School are happy to incorporate the speech and debate team onto our list of academic activities. Students will have the opportunity to compete in individual and team events.
In our charter year, students will be given the option to compete in prose/poetry interpretation, foreign and domestic extemporaneous speaking, and oration. We look forward to introducing Lincoln-Douglas debate, dramatic and humorous interpretation, and duet performance into next year’s curriculum. All areas of competition have the possibility of advancing to the state level.
Competitive speech and debate not only provides a forum for intellectual growth, but a platform for the advancement of public speaking skills. It is a means to practice articulating opinions and beliefs, as well as an environment for self-discovery. It teaches the fundamentals of persuasion and allows for further advancement of identity. The same aspects necessary for success in competitive speech and debate are utilized later in interviews, auditions, and daily interaction. Effective communication has the possibility to open doors and minds, thus making its constant pursuit crucial.
Students may fulfill their graduation requirement of ½ semester of speech by participating in Debate.
For more information, contact Mrs. Hailey Drescher.
- Mock Trial
- Model United Nations
| 
