News Release
Homer CCSD 33C
Goodings Grove Luther J. Schilling William E. Young William J. Butler
Hadley Middle Homer Jr. High
Contact: Charla Brautigam, Communications/Public Relations Manager
cbrautigam@homerschools.org | 708-226-7628
For Immediate Release:
May 3, 2016
Scholastic Bowl team advances to IESA State Championship
Crowned IESA Sectional Champions
The Homer Junior High Scholastic Bowl team is headed to the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) State Championship.
The team of eight seventh- and eighth-grade students earned the opportunity after winning the IESA Sectionals on Monday (May 3), defeating Woodridge O’Neill, Joliet Washington, and New Lenox Martino.
“This is my second year coaching the team and I am so impressed by the dedication, determination, hard work, and sheer intelligence these students consistently bring whether it is a practice or a match,” said Homer Junior High teacher and Scholastic Bowl team Coach Nichole Boyce. “These seventh- and eighth-grade students worked together seamlessly to secure a sizeable point advantage during each round of Sectionals last night. It was an exciting night for the team, myself, our assistant Mrs. Rachan and spectators.”
It’s the first time in Homer Junior High School’s history that one of its Scholastic Bowl teams has advanced to the State Championship.
“On behalf of everyone at Homer Junior High, we couldn’t be prouder of our historic (first-time) state qualifying Scholastic Bowl team,” said Principal Troy Mitchell.
“Perhaps what makes this accomplishment even more special is that this competition is academic based,” he added.
The Scholastic Bowl season began in December when Boyce began working with 27 Homer Junior High students who took the school to a 6-2 record.
The coach tracked each team member’s performance during the regular season and awarded a spot on the school’s competition team to the top eight students. Those eight competed in the recent Des Plaines Valley Conference, IESA Regionals and IESA Sectionals.
“Even though we compete as a team, a match can be turned around by a single player,” said Boyce. “Each of these eight students has had a chance to be that standout team member during a match this season.”
The team will compete next on Friday (May 6) at the Peoria Civic Center. Students will be quizzed on a variety of academic subjects.
Their first match is at 1 p.m. Follow their progress using this link.
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