May 7, 2009

Academic Super Bowl draws brainpower from throughout Indiana

The 23rd annual event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse. A schedule and list of participating schools is available online at https://www.iasp.org/iace/SuperStateFinals.html

Teams of up to five students will compete in six events, including social studies, mathematics, English, science, fine arts and an interdisciplinary team event.

Ten schools qualified to defend their 2008 State Championship titles:

* Columbus East High School in Columbus, interdisciplinary

* East Central High School in St. Leon, English

* Lanesville High School in Lanesville, interdisciplinary

* North Judson-San Pierre High School in North Judson, social studies

* North Posey High School in Poseyville, English

* NorthWood High School in Nappanee, fine arts and math

* Penn High School in Mishawaka, social studies

* TC Howe Community High School in Indianapolis, science

* Wheeler High School in Valparaiso, math

* William Henry Harrison High School in West Lafayette, math

North White High School in Monon qualified in all six events, while Park Tudor High School in Indianapolis is a favorite in the math category. Their team earned a perfect score in regional competition.

Schools will be divided into four classes based on school size, and a champion will be named for each class.

Gerald Mohr, the Indiana Association of School Principals executive director, said competition participants are eager to demonstrate their mastery of the subjects.

"Many teams begin cracking the books for this competition early in the school year," Mohr said. "They look forward to traveling to Purdue for the fun, competitive atmosphere on a college campus."

Academic competitions sponsored by the IASP receive financial support through the Purdue Office of Engagement.

Victor L. Lechtenberg, Purdue vice provost for engagement, said the university values its investment in K-12 education.

"Whether it's visiting schools to conduct interactive learning workshops or sponsoring academic competitions such as the Spell Bowl, Academic Decathlon and Academic Super Bowl, we believe in reaching out to schools with our support," Lechtenberg said. "We also hope that in the process students discover all the educational advantages Purdue has to offer."

Writer: Marydell Forbes, 765-496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Sources:   Victor L. Lechtenberg, 765-494-9095, vill@purdue.edu

Gerald Mohr, 317-891-9900, gmohr@iasp.org

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: Competition results will be updated 30 minutes after each round is completed at https://www.iasp.org/dspcompresults.aspx

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