Oleai Elementary tops Academic Challenge Bowl

Five students from Oleai Elementary School went home last Saturday with the championship trophy and gold medals after garnering first place at the annual Academic Challenge Bowl for elementary schools held at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe. Oleai Elementary bested 15 other schools including Grace Christian Academy and William S. Reyes Elementary, which won second and third place, respectively.
The winning fifth and sixth grade OES students are A.J. Samonte, Kennedy Vila, Raiza Salazar, Timothy Acosta, Victoria Dela Cruz, and Jhanylin Cruz. Their teacher coaches are Carla Sablan, Jeri May Tudela, and Shawn San Nicolas

Teacher coach Tudela told Saipan Tribune that the “kids worked hard and sacrificed a lot of their after-school free time. They did it!”

Fifth-grade student Jhanylin Cruz said the final round “was my favorite part.” Cruz is happy that all of her studying paid off and was nervous when her team made it to the finals.

A proud father at the event said he was excited and grateful for the team’s win. “We stayed up at night preparing for this competition almost every day.”

School principal Jacelyn Parico expressed similar sentiments. “I am very proud of them. A lot of hard work came into it along with determination. Having them join competitions like this truly achieves academic success.”

The Oleia team of elementary school students scored a total of 305 points.

Other participating schools include: Agape Christian School, Northern Marianas International School, Saipan International School, Rota’s Sinapalo Elementary School, Green Meadow School, Tanapag Elementary School, Tinian Elementary School, Kagman Elementary School, San Antonio Elementary School, Dandan Elementary School, Garapan Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School, and Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School.

The competition featured over 100 questions dealing with math, science, computer, art, English, social studies, current events, and physical education subjects.

The Marianas High School chapter of the National Honor Society hosted the annual Academic Challenge Bowl for the primary grade level division.

MHS NHS president Jonavelle Cuerdo said that coordinating and managing the academic tilt was “quite challenging” but cherished the reaction of students after correctly answering difficult questions. This, she said, truly embodies the purpose of the competition.

Cuerdo congratulated all of this year’s participants and expressed gratitude to the parents who assisted. This year’s prizes where made possible courtesy of Bestseller, National Office Supply, Modern Office Supply, and Subway Scoops.