Written by Maya Wendt, 4th grade
Just imagine you made it on the team that shows the reputation of your school. Are you shocked, maybe scared, or just happy you’re letting your talents grow? Whatever it is, welcome to the Academic team! There’s some things you might not know yet, but trust me, whatever you don’t know yet, is something you’ll accomplish and nail the second you learn it. If you don’t know what an Academic team is, let me elaborate. Academic team is a team of special students who specialize in 5 different subjects, including quick recall, those subjects are, science, social studies, ela (reading), arts and humanities, and math. Making the team is an exciting but long and complicated process. It starts with a test, a test that can’t involve guessing, one to be honest with and paint your words to sway the leader. It takes a few weeks, but when you get the letter, your heart skips a beat with excitement and wonder. As you slowly open the letter you’re in shock, did you make it, or did you not? Our first practice was, eh, kinda complicated. You get a note card and you put the 3 subjects you want to be in the most, 1 is your favorite one to be in, 2 is your second option, 3 is your least favorite but one you’d pick if the other 2 are full. After a while, practice gets simple and a lot easier, but don’t push the gas pedal yet. My team did a scrimmage first, had 1 more practice, and there it was. I was staring at a test, my heart was beating, like a car going 90 on the highway. I was competing in the Governor’s cup! The road to competition is a long journey, but an exciting one at that. What I’ve learned is not even explainable! I learned more in the Academic team than 9 weeks in normal school. Even the coaches learned a lot while coaching us. It was such an extraordinary process considering that we only had 1 hour every thursday. What I’ve learned is too much to explain but, if I had one thing to say I loved the most, it would have to be… being on the team in general. It’s one thing to see us play, it’s another if you’re the one hitting buttons, circling answers, and getting medals. If you’re a good sport, the other teams bless you on winning, even if you don’t win, you play a fair game. All in all, the Academic team is a fun, and competitive way to show pride for your school, and honor your role in it. Making the team is hard, I know, but the road to competition paves your next path, and what you learn is what should be taken away in your time on the team. So, just think this, If you get on an Academic team, how would YOU show pride and honor to your school?