Congratulations to Scarborough’s Academic Decathlon Team on winning the recent State Championship on March 4! The scholars, their supportive parents, and new coaches, Gary Downs and Shane Davis, are an inspiration and source of academic pride not only for Scarborough, but also for the state of Maine. Great Job!!

I would also like to acknowledge the efforts put forth by all of the students from around the state that competed for the academic decathlon state title. These scholars exemplify what an interest in learning, hard work, and persistence can accomplish. As our schools struggle to improve our educational system with mandatory state assessments, revamped college entrance exams, and “No-Child-Left-Behind” requirements, it is refreshing to see students rise to the challenge of academic achievement on their own initiative.

Most people do not realize that not all of the students are honor roll scholars. To the contrary, academic decathlon teams are required to consist of “A,” “B,” and “C” students. The key is tapping into the students’ own desire to learn and succeed, and not judge them based upon current report card grades. While it is wonderful to regularly acknowledge the top 10 students, honor roll students, and the successes of our athletic teams, it is equally important to be proud of the many students that are quietly accomplishing great things on their own time with little recognition.

Now the Scarborough Academic Decathlon Team is looking forward to the upcoming United States Academic Decathlon National Competition in San Antonio, Texas. What an honor, and what a challenge. Preparing for the event not only requires the team members to engage in some intense training over the next several weeks, but it also necessitates considerable fundraising.

You can count us in! Our family will proudly be supporting the Scarborough Academic Decathlon Team. If you’d like to make a donation, please mail to the “Academic Decathlon Team – Scarborough” in care of Gary Downs or Shane Davis at Scarborough High School, 20 Gorham Road, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Heather Sirocki

Scarborough

The Scarborough Academic Decathlon team will head to San Antonio for the United States Athletic Decathlon competition April 26 through April 29. The team will need to raise more than $12,000 in the coming weeks for the trip.