Academic Decathlon isn’t just another competition—it’s an academic showdown. Students take on seven rigorous subjects—Math, Science, Literature, Art, Economics, Music, and Social Science—while also competing in speech, interview, and the high-energy Super Quiz. It’s a test of memorization, teamwork, and determination, where months of preparation join forces in a single, high-stakes competition day.
This year, North Hollywood High School’s team embraced the theme of Environmental Science, dedicating countless hours to learning complex concepts and practicing their skills. Every other Saturday, team members gathered to go over Demi Drill packets, using their knowledge through discussion and practice. As competition day came closer, they endured the infamous “Hell Week,” spending long hours studying in the assistant principal’s office, determined to perform at their best.
Their dedication led them to the competition on February 1st at the Royal Ball Learning Center, where they showcased their hard work in the Interview, Speech, and Super Quiz events. Under the guidance of coaches Mr. Alvarez and Mr. Barragón, the team put all their knowledge and preparation into the tests.
Senior and co-captain Lily Rivera reflected on the experience: “Our main focus this year was working as a team. During Saturday meetings, we had activities and practice exams. After school, we focused on readings and shared our speeches. As this year’s co-captain, I’m incredibly proud of every team member because I know they all gave it their best.”
Each student had their own reasons for joining Academic Decathlon. Junior Dylan Wyke found a passion for Social Science, “ I was drawn to its real-world applications,” while sophomore Grace Palmquist was captivated by Science. “I wanted an academic challenge and a team where I could form strong bonds,” she shared.
North Hollywood has a history of reaching the state competition, last qualifying in 2020-2021. Although this year’s team did not advance to regionals, Coach Barragón remains focused on growth. “We always strive to do better and help students reach their full potential,” he said. With a dedicated team and a supportive environment, the decathletes are already looking ahead to future competitions.
To celebrate their efforts, the team recently attended the 2025 Decathlon Awards Ceremony, where students were recognized for their achievements in the seven subject exams, speech, and interview events. Sophomore Grace Palmquist received a scholarship for her outstanding performance in Environmental Science, while Senior and Co-Captain Lily Rivera earned a medal for her prepared speech and the highest overall score among her teammates. Additionally, Assistant Principal Mr. Chavez was honored as Administrator of the Year for his unwavering support of the team. As they walked across the stage, each winner carried a sense of pride in their hard-earned accomplishments.
With this season behind them, the team is already preparing for next year’s challenge. The 2025-2026 Academic Decathlon theme will focus on The Roaring Twenties, a decade of economic boom, cultural revolution, and artistic innovation. Whether you’re passionate about history, science, or public speaking, Academic Decathlon is open to all students eager for a challenge. If you’re ready to push yourself and be part of a close-knit, hardworking team, consider joining next year!
