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In this informative article, Hallie unfolds the history behind Academic Masters, a friendly competition between intelligent high school students.
academic masters
academic masters
By Hallie Johnson
By Hallie Johnson
Every year, Grants Pass High School participates with the three high schools within the Three Rivers School District in a scholarly competition called Academic Masters. Created specifically for our community to celebrate academia, students compete to earn cash donations from generous donors. Embedded into our community since 1983, Academic Masters is now a highly anticipated tradition for students to compete academically, like their athletic peers have been able to do for so long.
Any and all students who attend any of the participating high schools may compete. Although upperclassmen typically win, freshmen are still encouraged to participate because it is a great way to practice, even if they are not guaranteed the victory. There are five categories to compete in: music, math, English, science, and social science. Students can participate in all categories if they wish, but finalists can only compete in one subject. Students may compete throughout all four years, even if they have won in previous years. A list of all of the winners can be found on the Academic Masters website.
This competition takes place in many layers. First, schools send out announcements for their students who are interested in participating. Each school has the freedom to create their own qualifying written exam. Next, the four or five students who scored the highest compete at their own school as semi-finalists at a public event. After this event, the winners from each category become finalists, and all five finalists from each participating school have another public competition that is open to the public to attend. At this final event, the finalists are given a question or prompt 30 minutes in advance to having to deliver a speech to a panel of judges from RCC. After each candidate has given their five-minute speech, the judges convene to determine the winner. English competitors are given a novel to read a month beforehand and, typically, the music competitors perform a prepard piece. Due to COVID-19, it is unsure if audience members will be allowed to attend as they have in previous years.
Pictured: Academic Masters competitor, Academic Masters Foundation
In addition to honor and bragging rights, cash prizes are also awarded to semi-finalists and finalists. The Academic Master’s website it reads that “All of the prize money is raised locally from generous donors, including school district employees, former competitors, local businesses, and local families.” All semi-finalists receive $25, and the finalists can earn anywhere from $300-$1200 in cash. There is no cost to compete, only a chance to win. Unlike other academic competitions, this is not scholarship money that has to be put towards schooling. Students can spend this money however they choose.
Students of all levels and backgrounds have access to this low-risk, high-reward competition. Academia is an exciting local accomplishment to which community members are eager to donate. Grants Pass is ready to compete in the 39th annual Academic Masters and support the students who are working hard to excel!
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