TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—In a competition that demands mastery across disciplines — from literature and economics to science, speech, and interview — Westwood Regional High School’s academic decathlon team has done something rare: win it all, three years in a row.
The Cardinals were crowned New Jersey state champions following the Feb. 28 finals, marking their third consecutive title and fourth national-qualifying performance. By the numbers: 79 awards at regionals and 51 at states in a record-breaking season.
“It’s definitely something special,” said coach James Thomas, a math teacher at the high school.
This year’s victory came with a twist. Unlike prior seasons anchored by experienced veterans, this year’s squad was largely built from former alternates stepping into starting roles for the first time.
“We had a lot of starters graduate,” Thomas said. “So these were kids who had been alternates — they learned what it takes — and now they stepped up.”
That pipeline proved decisive.
After winning regionals, Westwood advanced to the state competition, which it hosted. The team learned of its championship at the awards dinner days later.
Academic decathlon is structured around 10 events, including subject-area exams in art, music, literature, math, economics, and science, along with performance-based components such as essay writing, prepared and impromptu speeches, and formal interviews.
“It’s very interdisciplinary,” Thomas said. “They’re learning things that aren’t necessarily in their classes.”
This year’s theme — The Roaring Twenties — gave students a foundation, particularly those with AP U.S. History or familiarity with “The Great Gatsby,” a core text in the competition.
But success came down to collective effort. Students gave up lunch periods, met independently on weekends, and built shared systems of study guides, summaries, and peer quizzing.
“They really worked hard,” Thomas said. “They were always testing each other. One student would create a study guide, another — or would summarize it — it was very collaborative.”
The team’s nine starters include one sophomore and five juniors, part of a broader program that involved roughly 40 students in various roles. That depth, Thomas said, positions Westwood well for the future.
Asked what it is about Westwood that speaks to the team’s success, Thomas said: “Success breeds success. I’ve never had more kids interested than this year.” He pointed also to strong community backing, with parents, teachers, and administrators volunteering their time in competitions.