Washington Island high school students will be heading to the Wisconsin Academic Decathlon regional competition in January. Out of the 90 teams competing, the students from the island finished in the top 50 teams during the local competition in early November. Their place within the 90 teams competing qualified the students to compete in the regional competition. This second event will give 20 teams a chance to show their academic skills during the state competition. With the regional competition coming soon on January 7th, team coach Miranda Dahlke describes what the students have done to prepare for both the local and regional competition.

At the regional competition, the students will have to take a test in seven different categories; Art, Economics, Literature, Mathematics, Music, Science, and Social Science. In addition, the students will have to write an essay in advance, give a prepared speech, give an impromptu speech, and be interviewed in front of two judges. As of the new year, the competition is set to be held virtually.