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High School Students Heading to Atlanta Quiz Bowl

High school students from Verrado High School and Tolleson Union High School in the Valley are preparing for the 2018 Quiz Bowl held in Atlanta. The competition pits some of the brightest high school minds in the country against each other. 

“We’re all a bit nervous, but how can you not be nervous when you’re going to something like this?” said Verrado team member Matthew McCaskill. “We’re just enjoying the experience, trying to get as much out of it as we can.” 

This year the Verrado High School Team ended up with an impressive 14-1 record before advancing to the national competition. The Tolleson High School team rounded out their year with a similarly impressive record. 


Also known as “the Super Bowl for smart kids,” the tournament has simple rules. A moderator asks a question about a given subject and each team member has the chance to buzz in to answer. If the student buzzes in before the question is finished and they have the correct answer, the team gets bonus points.

According to teachers and students, the Quiz Bowl is about more than just a trophy and bragging rights. The preparation for the competition helps build teamwork skills and perseverance. 

“That’s the skill they’re going to take, working together as a team, building on each other’s strengths,” said Sucheta Thomas, a Verrado teacher.

When asked what he learned from studying for the Quiz Bowl, Tom Kauffman, a team member, stated, “So, I guess not just giving it one shot and then just leaving it, but trying it again and again, and then getting better and better.”

The competition is scheduled to begin on May 26 at the Atlanta Marriot Marquis.