The academic team from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School earned a national title during the National Beta Club Convention last week in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Dunbar’s team outlasted Dorman High School of Spartanburg, S.C., during the quiz bowl finals.

 

Dunbar took 14 students to the competition. The group that won the quiz bowl included Ping Chen, Jay Li, Ailin Shen, Victor Yang and Amit Chakraborty. Three students brought home individual honors: Mimi Yang won first place in math, Melinda Song placed second in art, Matt Hensley took third in social studies, Han Shi won eighth place in science, Shelly Xu placed ninth place in pencil drawing, and Joe Wang took tenth place in spelling.

 

The quiz bowl win capped a stellar year for Dunbar, whose academic team swept every state academic competition in Kentucky, including the Governor’s Cup, State Beta Club, Kentucky National Academic Quizbowl Tournament and the Kentucky Derby Festival.

 

The National Beta Club recognizes academic achievements, promotes character, develops leadership skills, encourages service involvement and provides technological advantages to students across the United States. Students from 18 states participated in this year’s competition.