The Zero Period: Academic Decathlon

In order to win big, CB’s Academic Decathlon team is taking the early approach.

Christian Brothers’ Academic Decathlon team is taking great strides to achievement this year as they adjust their study schedule to gear toward a win. This year, the scholars of academic decathlon are meeting three times a week for a zero period class.

In the past, meeting during one lunch and Falcon Flex each week, the academic decathlon team “still did incredibly well,” according to Adriana Alvarado (’16). So why change their study schedule now?

“The only way to move up in the standings was to treat [the Academic Decathlon meetings] more like a class,” says Ms. Mary Bowers, academic decathlon coach. “We’re better than we reflect — Christian Brothers belongs in the top three.”

The coach and literature teacher is passionate about her team’s potential to win. She believes that zero period meetings will be a revolutionary modification in the academic decathlon’s preparations.

“It has to have an impact — it has to,” she emphasizes. “I will be shocked if we don’t move up in the standings.”

Students on the team agree.

“I feel like we’ll do a lot better than in past years,” says Andrew Warner (’16). “This year we’re preparing a lot better than we did last year.”

“[The zero period] will surely help us place higher,” Adriana adds.

Everyone is of the same opinion about the trials of waking up so early in the morning.

Andrew admits, “I don’t like getting up early.”

“The zero period is challenging for us,” Adriana adds. “But since it’s only three times a week it is manageable.”

Students have continued to show up, and their numbers are growing.

“We are at a solid 24 students right now, and more kids are asking about [the team],” says Ms. Bowers. “We are very committed.”

While the Academic Decathlon team has to contend with challenges such as early mornings and rigorous studies, it is still an enriching experience.

“I like to meet new people and learn from instructors who are passionate about what they teach,” Adriana says. “[The zero period] will definitely benefit us in the long run.”