Senior Claire Francis makes her way through Summit High School’s front doors and turns left to enter the library. Looking past the other school’s Academic Decathlon team’s tables, she gravitates toward her fellow Legacy AcaDec students. AcaDec and Physics teacher Mr. John Davis hands her a packet of answer sheets and a tan t-shirt saying, “You did not see us coming!” printed with an alpaca dressed as Rosie the Riveter. Some students casually mingled while others frantically studied with their cram kits.

“Everyone take your seats. Only two per school per table please,” said the Lake Ridge AcaDec Coach with the microphone at the front of the library.

The students carried their calculators, pencils and answer sheets and made their way to their spots. The AcaDec sponsors from all the schools passed out the first test: literature.

“Don’t turn the test over until I say so. You will have 30 minutes for this test,” the Lake Ridge AcaDec sponsor said. “You all have been working so hard all year and are truly the best and brightest in the district. Everyone pat yourselves on the back.”  

The students laughed and proceeded to pat themselves on the back.

“This test will start in 5..4..3..2..go,” the Lake Ridge AcaDec sponsor said.

The sound of flipping sheets of paper filled the room as competitors frantically started their first test. The students diligently worked until their thirty minutes were complete. They placed their literature test packets under their seats and were given the next test immediately afterward.

“Make sure y’all write what test you took on the bottom of each answer sheet,” the sponsor said.

After taking six tests, the students were dismissed for lunch. The Legacy AcaDec students made their way to Mr. Davis near the bookshelf containing several boxes of pizza, drinks and dessert. As the students ate, they discussed their opinions about the day so far.

“Hey, Alex, how’d you feel about those tests?” senior Briana Moreno said.

“They were hard. The art and music tests are the two that I felt good about,” senior Alex Rodriguez said.

“I felt bad about the literature test,” Moreno said.

After eating, the students made their way back to their seats to take their final test: social science. Feeling exhausted, the students mumbled that they were ready to get the final test over with.

“Come on guys, finish strong. Start in 5..4..3..2..go,” said the Lake Ridge AcaDec sponsor.

The students flipped their final packet over and took their test. After the 30 minutes were complete, the room erupted in cheers because they were finally done.

The students gravitated back to their school’s tables and anxiously waited for the results. As they waited, they discussed schoolwork and holiday plans.

“I really hope I make the team,” Moreno said.

The moderator marches to the front where the Summit volunteer holds a stack of certificates. He was going to announce the top three for each test for scholastic, varsity and honors. He was also going to announce the top three schools with the overall points along with their top nine scorers.

Individual test awards went to juniors Nathan Haslam and Elliot Reed and seniors Ethan Wikoff and Josh Hogue. The Legacy AcaDec team erupted in cheers when their names were called.

“Now for the top three schools,” the Lake Ridge AcaDec sponsor said. “Third place… Legacy High School.”

As the students screamed and applauded, the top nine students went up to take a picture. Afterward, Lake Ridge’s students went up to redeem their second place victory followed by Summit’s first place team. They began packing up their belongings and congratulating each other.

“Make sure you thank anyone who is wearing a Summit shirt for allowing us to come to their school for this event,” the Lake Ridge AcaDec sponsor said, concluding the event.