For the second consecutive year, and the fourth time in the last six years (2016, 2015, 2012, and 2011), the Eastside High School Academic team has won the Division 4 State Championship after cruising through the competition at the Georgia Academic Team Association (GATA) Varsity State Championship Tournament held at Flowery Branch High School on March 19. Members of the team include: Dillon Diamond, Jackson Hall, Brantley Proffitt, Nicholas Anderson, and Matthew Briscoe.

“I am amazed and very proud at how hard this team has worked to become so competitive,” said Eric Adams, coach of the Eastside High School Academic Team. “Their unprecedented success this year certainly reflects their dedication to become better.”

Academic Team or Quiz Bowl as it is commonly known, is a competition featuring buzzers (like Jeopardy) in which teams of four to five students compete against others answering questions over the entire spectrum of a high school curriculum.

“Unlike Jeopardy, the questions are much greater in depth and lack the trivia aspect with which the game is often not associated,” said Adams. “It combines a blend of individual competition and team collaboration.”

Just like the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), the GATA groups the high schools of Georgia into six divisions/classifications based on school populations and as a result, crowns six state champions.  Approximately 50 teams participated in the state championship tournament with Eastside competing in Division 4. Over the course of seven rounds, Eastside emerged with a perfect record, defeating Buford, St. Pius X, Chamblee Charter, Starrs Mill, South West DeKalb, Thomas County Central, and Stephens County. Buford High School came in second and St. Pius X placed third in the Division 4 contest.

“The state championship is a tremendous goal for any team,” said Eastside High School principal, Jeff Cher. “Obviously this team is hardworking and talented to win consecutive state titles.  I am extremely proud of Mr. Adams and the Academic Team.  They have prepared with intense practice sessions.  It’s been an honor to observe their competitiveness as Mr. Adams has conducted most practice sessions, but it has also been delightful to witness the team conduct self-directed practices independently after school at times.  Certainly, the entire school is proud and celebrates their accomplishments.”

The Eastside Academic Team will next vie for the national championship at the Partnership for Academic Competition Excellence National Scholastic Tournament in Chicago, June 4-5. Ninety-six teams from across the nation are scheduled to compete.

“Congratulations to the coach and members of the Eastside High School Academic Team,” said Newton County School Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey. “I am extremely proud them! It is not only fantastic that they have won the state competition for two consecutive years, but most impressive that they posted a perfect record!  It is exciting that our Eastside team will represent their school and our system in the national championship; I wish them the best of luck!”