Jacob Johnson, a junior at Antlers High School and active member on the academic team, found his passion for academic competitions through his love for trivia shows like Jeopardy.

“I really liked Jeopardy, and a teacher of mine said that the team was kind of like Jeopardy, and I figured that I could do that,” Jacob explained, shedding light on his initial interest in joining the academic team.

For Jacob, the most memorable aspect of being on the academic team is the camaraderie and friendships forged along the way. “I’ve made friends with people I otherwise wouldn’t have,” he reflected, emphasizing the social aspect of the team.

Delving into his preferred subjects, Jacob reveals a fascination with mythology, particularly Greek mythology, where stories of gods and monsters capture his imagination.

To prepare for competitions, Jacob and his team engage in rigorous practice sessions, focusing on study materials and research. “My team and I have practice questions that we study, and lots of reading and researching,” he noted.

Participation in the academic team has been instrumental in Jacob’s personal and academic growth, providing him with opportunities to develop leadership skills and make strategic decisions based on his team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Reflecting on a challenging moment during a competition, Jacob recalls a setback where his team fell short of victory due to a lackluster performance. However, they bounced back and emerged as conference champions, showcasing resilience and determination.

Balancing academic team commitments with other responsibilities, Jacob keeps the focus on academics while reserving team discussions for meets, maintaining a healthy balance in his school life.

Offering advice to aspiring academic team members, Jacob encourages them to embrace their unique strengths and contributions. “Everyone has a role to play on the team,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of teamwork.

For Jacob, the ability to remain calm under pressure is crucial for success in academic competitions, a skill he has honed through his experiences.

Looking ahead, Jacob envisions a future in artificial intelligence, propelled by his passion for discovery and learning fostered by his time on the academic team. Jacob Johnson, with his love for learning, will be successful in whatever field he decides.