By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Ripon High places 3rd overall in academic decathlon
ripon aca
Ripon High took third place overall in the 44th annual San Joaquin County Academic Decathlon held Saturday at Lathrop High.

The 44th annual Academic Decathlon held Saturday at Lathrop High consisted of 13 schools from throughout San Joaquin County.

Students showcased their knowledge of art, economics, literature, mathematics, music, science, and social science while engaged in a series of objective tests that culminated in the Super Quiz competition.

This year’s theme was “Our Changing Climate,” with all events being tied together by this single theme.

The event of the San Joaquin County Office of Education kicked off with a virtual essay on Dec. 5, followed by the speech and interview part at SJCOE’s Teachers College of San Joaquin on Jan. 17.

Each nine-member team consisted of three students in each of three categories based on grade point average – Honors (3.75-4.0+), Scholastic (3.0-3.74), and Varsity (0.0-2.99).

The Ripon High team was among the standouts during the competition, taking the third-place overall award.

The top overall school was Middle College High of Lodi Unified, which received the Dave Sorgent Winner’s Cup while advancing to the state Academic Decathlon Championships. Second place went to Stockton Early College Academy of Stockton Unified.

Sehaj Gill of Stockton Early College and Archit Bhattacharyya of Kimball High – as the top-scoring overall students – were the recipients of the $500 Walter Rathhaus Awards, provided by the SJCOE Educational Foundation.

 Lathrop High took third in the Top-Three Super Quiz competition. Stockton Early Academy took first with Kimball High and Middle College High sharing second place.

Among the top overall students by category, locally, were:

• Giolanna Loretelli, Ripon High, third place ($50), Scholastic / Division 1.

• Jehoash Miguel, Lathrop High, second place ($100), Varsity / Division 1.

• Mattie Berry, Weston Ranch High, third place ($50), Scholastic / Division 2.

• Andrea Jerald, Sierra High, first place ($250), Varsity / Division 2.

• Yatharth Katyal, Sierra High, third place ($50), Varsity, Division 2.

In addition, Kaitlyn Vue of McNair High (Lodi Unified) and Josephine Bui (Stockton Early College Academy) were awarded the renewable $5,000 scholarships to the University of the Pacific, having met the school’s requirements and a strong desire to attended the UOP.