Keep Calm and Buzz On

South’s Academic Team Makes History at History Bee and Bowl

Third from left, freshman Jacob Adelhoch earns prestigious title of  NJ State History Bee Champion

Courtesy of Mr. Koumoulis

Third from left, freshman Jacob Adelhoch earns prestigious title of NJ State History Bee Champion

“This dynasty saw the establishment of the Silk Road, as well as the Five Pecks of Rice Rebellion and the Yellow Turban Rebellion. It was followed by the Three Kingdoms Period, and lasted from 206 BC to 220 AD. For the point, what Chinese dynasty shares its name with the largest ethnic group in China?

The eleven of us held our breaths as the youngest member of our Academic Team, freshman Jacob Adelhoch, buzzed in and responded: “Han Dynasty.” A chorus of cheers reverberated through the Jubilee Hall Auditorium at Seton Hall University on Saturday, January 18th as Jacob received the prestigious title of NJ State History Bee Champion–the first from South to claim such an accolade. In addition to serving as the resident military history specialist on Team 1 during the NJ Regional History Bowl, Jacob also participated in the arduous qualification and playoff rounds needed to emerge as victor of the Bee and earn a spot at the much coveted National History Bee in Washington D.C. Team 2 captain and senior, Courtney Swanson captured our team’s awe of our youngest member’s vast historical knowledge: “Jacob has such a brilliant mind. For a freshman in high school, he knows facts that most people would need to acquire through extensive college courses. It was thrilling to watch him compete in the History Bowl and to have the NJ State Champion be one of our own.”

Under the guidance of advisors Ms. D’Urso and Mr. Koumoulis and with the welcome addition of Jacob, our team was able to navigate the treacherous waters of archaic historical minutiae regarding figures such as Betty Friedan and Ayatollah Khomeini. Boasting a 5-2 record and upsetting rivals Ranney and Mater Dei, Team 1 clinched a spot in the National History Bowl. Consisting of seniors Aisha Bhoori, Costa Costidis, and Kelly Lozo, juniors Brendan Hennessey and Dan Schweitzer, as well as our MVP freshman Jacob Adelhoch, Team 1 will compete in Washington D.C. between April 25th and 27th, vying for the National History Bowl trophy. Team 2, consisting of seniors Kelly Rogers, Maddie Tota, and Courtney Swanson, as well as juniors Jess Fisher, Vici Saunders, and Tori Sarullo, also demonstrated their historical acumen, giving opponents High Point Regional and Old Bridge tough competition.

Between now and April, we will continue to celebrate Jacob’s victory, play every history category in QuizUp, and adhere to the axiom that has galvanized our success thus far: keep calm and buzz on.