News Release
20th annual Academic Bowl comes to campus March 24
March 5, 2009
Who was the first black woman to be granted a patent? Who was the first black heavyweight champion who was also an inventor? Who was the first black person to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?
These are the types of questions that will be posed to teams from eight area schools when they vie for the top prize in the 20th annual High Achievers Academic Bowl at Penn State Harrisburg Tuesday, March 24.
The event, hosted by the Penn State Office of Multicultural Recruitment and Community Affairs, will be from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Student Center of the Capital Union Building on campus. The competition is free and open to the public.
Middletown Area Middle School is returning to defend its 2008 title against teams from Central Dauphin East Middle School, Central Dauphin Middle School, the Harrisburg Math and Science Academy, Linglestown Middle School, Northern Lebanon Middle School, Susquehanna Township Middle School, and Swatara Middle School.
Barbara Thompson, director of the Office of Multicultural Recruitment and Community Affairs says, “The annual Academic Bowl has become a pillar of the college’s commitment to reach out and partner with local schools. Through this fun, challenging, and educational event, participants see the value of team learning and group participation.”
Teachers and coaches also sing the praises of the Penn State Harrisburg educational outreach program.
John Chan, teacher and Academic Bowl coach at Northern Lebanon Middle School, says, “The program allows those students who want to learn more about cultures excel beyond the classroom. The competition is intense and demanding of individuals participating. It is a joy and pleasure to participate in an academic challenge of this type. I’ve had the opportunity to view this competition in the eyes of a coach, judge, and spectator and find it to be a truly fascinating experience.”
Benjamin Surmacz, teacher and Academic Bowl coach for Swatara Middle School, echoes Chan when he states, “Our involvement has been cherished at Swatara Middle School. We have been involved in the Academic Bowl since its inception and our school is proud to say we achieved the championship in 2000. It has always been an honor to participate in this event celebrating the achievements of so many American heroes.”
And Principal Keith Miller says, “Linglestown Middle School is proud to participate in the Penn State High Achievers Academic Bowl each year. We have high regard for the Office of Multicultural Recruitment and Community Affairs for their efforts in continuing to educate students about different cultures. We feel that students have developed, and will continue to develop, a greater appreciation for cultural and ethnic diversity throughout the entire process that the Bowl requires.
Each team consists of five participants and two alternates. Only seventh and eighth grades are permitted to compete and are coached by school staff.
The competition utilizes three sources: “The Black Americans of Achievement Game,” “The African American Facts and Trivia,” and the “African, Asian, and Hispanic Collections.” Included are questions about the accomplishments and achievements of Black Americans and information about other cultures.
Through studying the questions and using the information presented during Black History Month activities, students are expected to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for cultural and ethnic diversity. Multi-ethnic team participation is encouraged. The bowl game concept is designed to promote teamwork, study for retention, rewards for academic excellence, and to provide the University an opportunity to outreach to young students. An estimated 1,000 students have participated in the Academic Bowl over the period it has been hosted by Penn State Harrisburg.
Prizes will be awarded to all participating students and schools and the first place team will receive a trophy. All schools will receive books to enhance their library collections.
For information, phone 717-948-6297.