TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—In a historic victory for Westwood Regional High School, its Academic Decathlon team, WACADECA, has for the first time in the school’s history clinched the title of New Jersey State Champions.
It’s school glory on par with the Cardinal football program’s dramatic 21-20 overtime win on Nov. 27, 2023 in the NJSIAA Group 2 State Championship Game, also a glittering first for the district.
Following an outstanding performance, Westwood’s decathletes—experienced regional champs, led by coach James Thomas—trounced at the state finals held here on March 2, where they surpassed 15 other schools. WACADECA’s next stop: the nationals.
Decathletes study a new theme each year, such as Russia, World War I, the 1960s, and New Alternatives in Energy. They explore seven subjects connected to that theme, from art and science to math and economics. The overall theme for the 2023–2024 Academic Decathlon is Technology and Humanity.
Coach Thomas told Pascack Press on April 2, “I have worked with many talented students over the years but there is something special about this group. The reason for their success is their teamwork and dedication. I can’t wait to see what they do in Pittsburgh!”
Thomas, who teaches mathematics at the high school and is Math Honor Society advisor, said Academic Decathlon competes at three levels: regionals, states, and nationals. There are three competitions in a year. The team is composed of 18 students: nine starters and nine alternates. Students compete according to their GPA with students with similar GPAs.
On Jan. 27, Westwood won regionals for the second year in a row. The students won 60 individual awards and boasted five of the top nine students in the region. Additionally, the team won the SuperQuiz, a team event.
On March 2, Westwood Regional High School hosted 16 schools for the state finals. Cardinals won 44 individual awards. MVP Aaron Zeiler became the first student in school history to win the B. Franklin Reinauer Memorial Award for being the highest scoring student in the state. The team won the state title for the first time in school history.
WACADECA continued to shine at the state level, where they demonstrated their intellectual supremacy once again. Amid stiff competition, the students locked down an astounding 44 individual awards.
With their triumph at the state finals, and powered in part by such fundraising as a sticker sale—rounding out enthusiastic district support—the WACADECA team set its sights on the national stage: They’ll represent New Jersey at the United States Academic Decathlon National Competition in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 24–27.
On March 2, Superintendent of Schools Jill Mortimer posted on the occasion of Westwood’s showing in SuperQuiz, “Coach James Thomas and our talented students made us proud once again! Many members of the WWRSD community were present to either assist with our hosting duties or to cheer the students on.”
She said, “I saw Mr. Connelly, Mr. Garcia, Mrs. Peck, Mrs. Sigona, Mrs. Kemple, Mr. Tridgell, Dr. Thames, Mrs. Hanlon, Mrs. Farrell, Mrs. Vallorano, Mrs. Nagle, and Mr. Mortimer. We were in a three-way tie with Clifton and Hackensack. My heart is full once again.”
WWRSD board president Jason Garcia of Westwood added, “I was a judge and proctor today, and I was highly impressed by the individual contestants and each team. I could not be more proud of our WWRSD team and student participants. Coach Jim Thomas has this WACADECA crew inspired and prepared. Thank you to coach and all the WACADECA members, families, and supporters.What a great day!”
United States Academic Decathlon says online, “Competing in the Academic Decathlon is not about demonstrating how good a student you already are. It’s about working on a team, mastering college-level material, and practicing skills, like public speaking, that might be wholly new to you.”
USAD adds, “It’s about the people you’ll meet along the way—the coaches who will mentor you, the competitors who will challenge you, and the teammates who will become your lifelong friends. No other activity will better prepare you for university.”
For updates, photos, and more visit the team Facebook page /WACADECA.