Rounds of the Merced County Academic Decathlon began this week, although the format of the longstanding test of student knowledge is changing again this year.
Because of COVID-19, some of the decathlon events will be held virtually while others will be done in person, according to Stacie Arancibia, events and community engagement specialist for the Merced County Office of Education, which conducts the events.
Arancibia said the virtual testing process begins Jan. 29 where students compete in seven multiple-choice tests in math, science, social science, music, art, economics and literature.
This is the 41st year the decathlon has been held in Merced County and the theme this year is “Water: A Most Essential Resource”.
On Feb. 5, students will compete in the speech and interview process in-person at the MCOE Downtown Professional Development Center. In the afternoon, students will participate in the super quiz, covering all seven testing subjects.
Ninety high school students from Golden Valley, Merced, El Capitan, Livingston, Delhi, Le Grand, Pacheco, Valley Community School Los Banos and Buhach Colony high school campuses will compete.
Before the event, students are required to take a rapid COVID-19 test and must test negative to participate.
“Thank you to the MCOE, school district staff, and volunteers for adapting and modifying this event and testing in advance to make it as safe as possible for everyone involved,” said Merced County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Tietjen. “I’d also like to thank the decathletes for adapting and participating in what will be another year of unique competition.”
On Feb. 5, the awards ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube at 6 p.m.
“It’s exciting to have students return in-person for the communication events, super quiz and awards,” Arancibia said. “While the online competition worked last year, nothing beats the in-person experience for these students.”
The winning decathlon team will represent Merced County in the state championships, which will be conducted in March in a virtual format.
Three scholarships will be awarded to members of each team through the sponsorship of the Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union and many other generous donations. The event is run by the non-profit Merced County Academic Decathlon Association board. Volunteers to help run the event — including reading the essays and judging speeches and interview — are staff, teachers, principals, school trustees from MCOE and participating schools and districts and community members.