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Wheeling Park High School's Academic Showdown team finished third overall Tuesday in the Academic Showdown state championships, held at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston.
WPHS earned the bronze behind Morgantown High's Team 1 and Bluefield High School. For their work over the tournament, Wheeling Park team members each received $750.
Since January, the West Virginia Department of Education has welcomed more than 90 teams representing 50 high schools from 31 counties to seven regional competitions hosted at college campuses statewide. Due to continued interest from schools, the 2024 Showdown featured the largest competition field to date, an increase from 71 teams last year and 21 teams in 2022.
Students were tested on their knowledge of content areas including math, science, history, fine arts, general knowledge, pop culture and more through intense, fast-paced rounds of questions. Teams consisted of students in grades 9-12.
Microsoft provided prize money for the top three teams, the tournament most valuable player and the all-tournament team made up of the five best-performing players. The WVDE also provided grants to each participating school to support their Showdown program.
Morgantown players each received $2,000, while Bluefield players each received $1,000.
"The Academic Showdown has been a game changer over the past three years," said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. "The excitement continues to grow along with the participation among our schools. Some of the scholars have participated every year because this program challenges them with rigorous competition. It has been a thrill to watch."
The regional competitions brought scholars and their families to several college campuses, allowing them to explore post-secondary opportunities and observe student life more closely. Today's finale event at the Culture Center honored the commitment of educators, students and families with a parade of the finalist teams, festive decor, cheerleaders, a live pep band and more.