High School’s Academic Challenge Headed to National Competition

After going undefeated in the regular season, the Lakewood High School Academic Challenge team is headed to compete against schools from across the country.

The team was honored at the school board meeting last Monday.

High school teachers Bob Sedlak and Peter Petto took over the team this past fall. 

“We may be working all summer long,” Sedlak told the school board. “This is a great group of kids.”

The team went undefeated, and is scheduled to compete in the National Invitational Tournament in Washington, DC  at the end of the month.

The squad’s strengths include math, science (chemistry and biology), history, government, astronomy and music.

“The students love the competition,” Sedlak added. “If Mr. Petto and I would practice every day after school, they would be there, barring other extra-curricular activities.”

Senior captain Elliot Smith, who also spends his time on a state-ranked lacrosse team, leads his Academic Challenge team.

Below is a list of the team:

• Seniors: Elliot Smith, will attend the University of Alabama; Peter Schleckman, will attend University of Virginia; Steve Saed, will attend University of Pittsburgh;
• Junior Hugh Campbell
• Sohomores: Laert Fejzullari; Ben McKinsey
• Freshmen: Amanda Cabot; Fox Milenski; Alex Grunder