Granada Hills Charter High School won the 2015 U.S. Academic Decathlon on Saturday, claiming its fourth national title in the last 5 years.
The eight-member team won the contest held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Garden Grove, beating out 46 other high schools, according to a press release from Los Angeles Unified School District.
“Congratulations to the members of the Granada Hills Charter team for your exemplary performance,” said Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines. “With your laser-like focus, team spirit and devotion, you proudly represented the LAUSD to the rest of the country.”
The Highlanders - represented by Peter Cho, Jenean Docter, Natalie Gonzalez, Jasmin Kim, Irene Lee, Tanthai Pongstien, Fernando Sanchez and Jorge Zepeda - scored 53,592.3 points out of 66,000.
“I’m always amazed by the incredible dedication of the Academic Decathlon’s students and coaches, and for the sacrifices they and their families make in preparing for the competition,” said school board member Tamar Galatzan. “I’m very grateful to all of them and so proud to have Granada Hills Charter representing Los Angeles Unified.”
Other LA winners included the "Fab Four" Wendy Olvera, Alfonso Caballero, Joseph Nabor and Brian Rios, students from Garfield High School, according to the release.
