The Warrenton Academic Challenge in Engineering and Science team had an outstanding showing at their recent competition, securing second place on Feb. 5.
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The Warrenton Academic Challenge in Engineering and Science team had an outstanding showing at their recent competition, securing second place on Feb. 5.
The competition consists of an assortment of tests that assess knowledge in various academic fields.
Led by coaches Mike Shaw and Rebecca Joens, nine Warriors medaled in their respective topics.
Alice Briggs medaled first in english and second in mathematics, Rylan Arndt medaled first in physics and second in computer science, Malia Hopper medaled first in engineering graphics, Jeremiah Hunn placed first in biology, Brooklyn Wells took home second in physics, Charlotte Sibert placed second in chemistry, Daniel Middleton medaled second in engineering graphics, Amelia Hux tied for second in chemistry and placed third in biology and Wade Petersmeyer medaled third in biology.
These competitors faced a range of college-level questions, with each topic presenting unique challenges that range from 30-80 questions. While a 40-minute time limit might seem daunting, Hopper shared that she does not feel rushed.
“You prioritize the things you know and then go back through the more challenging ones after,” she said.
Hopper chose to test in engineering graphics due to her desire to become an engineer one day. Arndt joined the team wanting to test in biology but after taking a placement practice test, he realized he had a strong computer science background, along with physics.
Junior Arndt and sophomore Hopper noted the tests can be challenging, as much of the material are topics they have not tackled in school before. However, with experience, they noted they are able to learn more.
In addition, with access to tests from previous competitions, they are able to use those as study guides.
“(Not knowing some of the material) causes me to have a bigger desire to learn more. My first computer science test, I knew nothing about binary or hexadecimals,” Arndt said. “Over the years, you’re able to start educating yourself and learn more about these topics if they interest you. I think that is probably one of the most fundamental values this program has.”
The team will compete next in the sectional competition virtually on March 12. The team will aim for a top-two finish or individual competitors placing in the top three of their testing areas to advance to the state competition at Eastern Illinois University in April.
“I’m feeling confident. I’ve gone to sectionals my past two years so I’m hoping to go on to state this time,” Arndt said. “I haven’t gone to sectionals before since I’m a sophomore but I think I can do pretty well,” Hopper added.
