Salem High Beats Hanover High On Granite State Challenge

DURHAM, NH — Can you name the English mathematician considered to be the first computer programmer? Here’s a hint: she was also the daughter of poet Lord Byron. The answer - Ada Lovelace - helped Salem High School secure an early lead over Hanover High School on this week’s Granite State Challenge, according to a press statement.

Despite a perfect score in the game’s 60-second lightning round, Hanover was not able to overcome Salem’s lead. The Blue Devils went on to win by a final score of 580 to 370.

The Salem Blue Devils were represented by captain Tony Consentino, Aidan Gallo, Jonathan Tarness, and Alexis Ahern, with alternates Ricky Jeffreys and Oba Oseghali. They were coached by Bernie Campbell. The Hanover Marauders were represented by captain Hayden Smith, Liam Szczepiorkowski, Simon Herron, and Oliver Minshall, as well as alternate Sam Beliveau. They were coached by Gabe Brison-Trezise and Bill Murphy.

Salem now advances to the semifinals of Granite State Challenge. Hosted by Jim Jeannotte, Granite State Challenge features New Hampshire's top high school academic quiz teams as they demonstrate remarkable teamwork, quick thinking and smarts to beat the clock and buzz in first on this iconic New Hampshire game show. The game emphasizes quick recall of math, science, social studies, language arts, and fine arts facts - along with questions about current events, entertainment, sports, and New Hampshire.

Granite State Challenge is funded by lead sponsor Unitil; with additional funding from NEA New Hampshire, Heinemann Publishing, New Hampshire Lottery, D.F. Richard Energy, HRC, Measured Progress, The NHHEAF Network Organization and Super Sunday partner, Manchester Community College.

New Hampshire PBS inspires one million Granite Staters each month with engaging and trusted local and national programs and services on-air, online, via mobile, in classrooms and in communities. Beyond its award-winning television programs, New Hampshire PBS is a leader in education and community engagement. nhpbs.org.

Image and text submitted by Susan Adams.