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Academic Challenge Team Qualifies for National Championships

Congratulations to Ranney School’s Academic Challenge team on their recent NAQT tournament. Sophomore Jacob Egol of Holmdel finished 20th out of just over 125 students across three states at the early February 2017 National Academic Quiz event. Senior Greg Marx of Marlboro, Junior Varun Sikand of Colts Neck, and Junior Paul Jensen of Colts Neck competed as well, with the four-person team qualifying for the spring National Championships for Small Schools.

NAQT has been challenging middle, high, and college students across the country since 1966 by providing a standardized nationwide competition format. Students are asked to answer questions from a variety of academic subjects as well as questions based in general knowledge.

Egol, who is new to the team this year, said he looks forward to the weekly practices and competitions. “It reinforces the material I learn in school, but sometimes the material that a question covers can be so random—it can range from mathematics, to geography, and even to sports and pop culture—that it’s also a great way to learn more about ‘out-of-school’ topics. As I become better at playing academic team matches, I am becoming more knowledgeable about the world around me as well as becoming a better student.”
 
Captain Gregory Marx has been on the team for three years now and says he enjoys its competitive and challenging nature. “I enjoy the challenge of going against other schools and representing Ranney…. For anyone interested in learning and supporting their school in competition, I strongly recommend joining the team!”
 
Varun Sikand, who finished 47th in the NAQT competition and earned 240 points for the Ranney team, added that the activity “not only augments my personal growth, but it also allows me to foster team camaraderie, an essential trait for leadership and team success—especially since the fate of a competition relies on the collaboration of four team members.” 
 
Paul Jensen agrees with the team sentiment, noting, “I thoroughly enjoy the great times we have every time we have an activity session or a competition.  It is truly a unique experience.”
 
Academic Challenge team, advised by English Chair Doug Felter, is one of 50-plus clubs and activities offered in Ranney’s Upper School. 
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.