Seneca Valley Academic Team Advances To National Competition

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA — The Seneca Valley High School Academic Decathlon Team once again earned the title of state champs and is heading to nationals.

With a total score of 33,513 points, these stellar students placed first in their division against the top high schools from western, central and eastern Pennsylvania at the virtual United States Academic Decathlon Pennsylvania State Competition.

Each high school competed with a team of nine students in eight events: art, music, literature, social science, economics, mathematics, science and essay. All subjects are related to the 2020-21 theme: The Cold War.

The following students won state competition awards:

• Shanker Pillai: Essay (Bronze), Art (Silver), Economics (Bronze), Literature (Bronze), Mathematics (Silver), Social Science (Bronze), Individual Overall (Gold).

• Allison Flatt: Art (Silver), Economics (Bronze), Literature (Silver), Music (Silver), Science (Bronze), Social Science (Gold), Individual Overall* (Bronze).

• Mia Chevallier: Essay (Silver), Art (Gold), Economics (Bronze), Literature (Silver), Music (Silver), Social Science (Bronze), Individual Overall* (Bronze).

• Rayan Ghaffar: Mathematics (Bronze), Music (Bronze), Science (Bronze), Social Science (Gold.)

• Nancy Chen: Art (Bronze), Literature (Bronze), Science (Gold).

• Ashley Eury: Essay (Gold), Art (Gold), Music (Silver.)

• Kason Kunkelmann: Mathematics (Bronze).

• Grace Johnson: Art (Bronze).

“After months of studying together virtually on Microsoft TEAMS and competing against other schools throughout the state online, I am confident that the SV Academic Decathlon team will do well representing Pennsylvania for the virtual USAD National Competition on April 30,” Seneca Valley Senior High School teacher and decathlon adviser David Reichard said in a district news released.

The Seneca Valley Academic Decathlon State Team includes Allison Flatt, Nicholas Nedzesky, Kason Kunkelmann, Mia Chevallier, Rayan Ghaffar, Nancy Chen, Shanker Pillai, Ashley Eury and Grace Johnson.

By securing first place, the team will compete in nationals on April 30.