Skip to main content

MB News

MBMS Students Face Off at 11th Annual Scholar Quiz

May 29, 2015 11:41PM ● By Jeanne Fratello

The two final teams face off at the MBMS Scholar Quiz

The gymnasium was full, the cheers were loud, and the excitement was at a fever pitch on Friday at the finals of the Manhattan Beach Middle School's 11th Annual Scholar Quiz. The fast-paced quiz, which marks the culmination of more than a week's worth of competitions, is a popular annual tradition that draws broad participation from across the school.

Friday's final match came down to a dramatic finish with a victory by the "red" team of Bryce Verket, Spencer Hurst, Joshua Hoye, and Russell Blakey. The "blue" team of Beck Cherry, Chris Agliozzo, Max Wong, and Henry Householter came in second after putting up a valiant fight, with the score tied up through halftime.

This year 688 students participated in 172 teams of four students each. Nearly half of the student body at MBMS participated.

"It's pretty intense, but the sportsmanship has been amazing," said David Levy, an MBMS drama and English teacher who served as reader. Levy noted that there was a great deal of supportiveness among students, and that participants were cheering and high-fiving each other throughout the competition. "We're amped up, but for the right reasons," he added.

Competitors answered questions in the areas of math, science, literature, grammar, social studies, geography, arts, sports, and popular culture. Levy observed that the most successful teams bring together "experts" in a variety of categories. "You'll have a literature person, a math person, a pop culture person, and so on."

Scores of parent and community volunteers worked throughout the past two weeks to keep the competition running smoothly, working as scorekeepers, flag judges, and readers. 

Friday's event drew a large crowd of students, alumni, parents, and community members. Local leaders in attendance included MBUSD Superintendent Mike Matthews and Executive Director of Educational Services Brett Geithman; MBUSD school board members Ellen Rosenberg, Jennifer Cochran, and Karen Komatinsky; MBEF representatives Farnaz Flechner, Hava Manasse, and Michelle Cormack; Grandview Elementary Principal Rhonda Steinberg; Pennekamp Elementary Principal Toni Brown; Pacific Elementary Principal Kim Lenz; PTA representatives Melinda Arentsen, Sarah Geller, and Jeri Vick; and Study Hut founder Rob Stone.

Members of the final 32 teams received Scholar Quiz 2015 t-shirts donated by Study Hut.

Subscribe to MB News Emails * Don't Miss a Thing, Sign Up Today!

* indicates required
Email Format

Subscribe to MB News Emails * Don't Miss a Thing, Sign Up Today!

* indicates required
Email Format