Allen Community College hosted a scholars bowl competition on March 8, 2014. The tournament attracted six schools and nine teams to compete for the honor of being named the smartest students of Kansas. The event ended with Neosho Community College’s team winning and two of Johnson County Community College teams placing second and third.
Allen placed fourth among the nine teams. Having completed four competitions this year, Allen has progressed in its own achievements far beyond their standing at the beginning of the season.
The group that started with only three members expanded to the full team of five permanent participants. Arli Hendrix, Pavel Kuropatkin, Laura Howard, Lorraine Kuzen-Stephens and Shayla Stephens are the current warriors who were pressing the buttons Saturday and made it to state finals which will take place in Salina on April 3 and 4.
Being charismatic learners, all of the members stand out as highly intellectual students with the passion and drive for knowledge and hard work. Todd Francis, the sponsor of Allen’s Academic Excellence Challenge team, said, “ Pavel and Arli are good science students, whereas Lorraine and Laura are better in literature and history questions.” Smiling, he added, “I’m proud of that team. We’ve got a lot of improvements; now we are competitive.”
Preparing for upcoming competitions, students are practicing during long Wednesday afternoons. Ultimately they are planning to finish in the top three at state and get their cherished trophy as recognition for their dedication and learning.
Kuropatkin, an international student from Russia, said, “It is exciting to see and feel how my efforts, combined with the efforts of the other team members, lead to significant results. The magic of this competition is something that I never experienced in Russia. I am excited to help bring some glory to my team and my college.”
He also acknowledged the benefits of the scholars bowl games to his college experience. “I improve my language skills and learn something new all the time. Also, we’ll get 1 hour (of college credit).”
Striving to be atop the Academic Excellence Challenge pyramid, Allen’s team looks trilling to continue its pursuit for the championship. Meanwhile it’s on behalf of all other Allen students to support their classmates and believe in those five scholars, who will represent Allen Community College on April 3.