A recent Hi-Q match at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center in Arlington ended with the Arlington High School team victorious over competitors from South Whidbey and Monroe high schools. After its first two matches, the AHS Hi-Q team is undefeated.

The final scores for the recent match were Arlington 33, Monroe 26 and South Whidbey 23.

The ten Arlington High School students who participate in the program spend hours each day at home and at school studying hundreds of pages of material in 14 subjects. Hi-Q is the oldest academic quiz competition for students in the country. AHS Hi-Q Team members work hard for high double-digits on the scoreboard along with a unique educational experience.

The Arlington team is made up of seniors Eric McElroy, Amye Ellsworth, David Taft-Farren and Ryan Jones; juniors Corinne McClure, J.D. Boston and Kyle Kilmer; and sophomores Nick Goolsbee and Robert Kephart. Scholastic advisers are Ben Mendro and Jane Joselow.

Along with students, staff and spectators from the community, Arlington Superintendent Kris McDuffy was on hand to witness the February match.

"I am so impressed with the depth of knowledge and the teamwork displayed by the students at Hi-Q matches," said McDuffy. "I am so proud of our students and appreciate the time, effort and enthusiasm of all the teams. They represent their schools, districts and communities so well."

Matches continue with the semi-finals scheduled for Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Everett Community College, Parks MPR. All are invited and watch the excitement in person.

Sample Competition Questions:

World History: At the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, this English admiral led the Royal Navy to victory against French and Spanish fleets but was mortally wounded during the conflict. Give the last name of this legendary British Naval officer. (Nelson)


Physics: State the name of the physical principal that states that an object is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces. (Archimedes Principle)


Art History: Using polychrome, marble, bronze, ivory, and semi-precious stones for the features, Max Klinger made a theatrical sculpture of a great German composer. Completed in 1901, this was a composite structure in a classical style, yet distinguished by its obvious Symbolist abstraction. Give the name of the German composer portrayed in this sculpture that was exhibited in the Vienna Secessionist exhibition. (Beethoven)


Biology: There are four different chemical categories of hormones secreted by the endocrine glands. What chemical category includes insulin and antidiuretic hormones? (Polypeptide)


Geography: The largest active volcano in Europe is located on the island of Sicily. Name this volcano. (Mount Etna)


Shakespeare: In Antony and Cleopatra, the Triumvirs, Octavius Caesar and Antony rule Rome. Give the last name of the third Triumvir. (Lepidus)

Pictured Above: Left to Right - Erick McElroy, Nick Goolsbee, South Whidbey competitor (name unknown).