The Latta Middle School Academic Challenge Team had the honor of being crowned the Division II State Champions of Academics this school year.

The team was coached by Cristin Richards and consisted of the following 8th graders: John Gasque (Most Valuable Player), Micheal Hunt, Brycelyn Berry, Zachary Peacock, and Nathan Holloman as well as the following 7th graders: Jacob Mijalli, Easton Anderson, Nicholas Hyatt, and Adam Peacock. Each team member played a valuable role throughout the season, the regional competition, and the state competition.
The Vikings completed the regular season with five victories and one loss.
They then went on to the regional competition to earn nearly 100 points, and then to the state competition to earn nearly 70 points.
The team completed the season with over 400 cumulative points. Although their academic knowledge and skills are impressive, those skills are not what held this team together.
This was a strong team because they valued each other and others’ opinions, and worked very well together, making them a force to reckon with.
One team member stated, “It [winning] was really not a very serious deal. The thing that pulled us through was the support of others and the fun we had.”
Although the students were under pressure, they knew the root of this organization is gathering great minds together to celebrate the excitement of learning.