VYPE: How did you become interested in joining the academic team, and what motivated you to participate?

Courtney Wood: I did quiz bowl in middle school, so I tried out and made the team my freshman year, and I loved it! 

VYPE: Can you tell us about a memorable experience or achievement you’ve had while being part of the academic team?

CW: We recently went to area and got third, which was the highest we’ve placed during my time. We had a lot of fun on the way; it was a great trip! 

VYPE: How do you prepare for academic competitions? 

CW: Not particularly, but Ms. Tatum Clowers usually arranges a game against teachers the Thursday before. 

VYPE: In what ways has being a part of the academic team contributed to your personal and academic growth?

CW: I got to know Ms. Clowers (the coach) and Michayla Harcrow, a senior at the time, through quiz bowl my freshman year, and they helped me come out of my shell. 

VYPE: Can you share a challenging moment you faced during a competition and how you overcame it?

CW: We were down by a lot of points at the end of a round, and we managed to bring it up to a tie during the last quarter. We still almost didn’t win, though; Addison won the tiebreaker for us when she got a question that she knew the answer to from Bohemian Rhapsody.  

VYPE: How do you balance your academic team commitments with your other school activities and responsibilities?

CW: The main thing quiz bowl conflicts with is marching band. A lot of our games are at the same times as band practice, and I have to choose one or the other pretty often. The thing that’s helped the most with that is communication with Mr. Thomas and Ms. Clowers about scheduling. 

VYPE: What advice would you give to students who are considering joining the academic team or getting involved in similar extracurricular activities?

CW: Don’t worry about being good or smart enough; just try out anyway if you think you’d enjoy it. 

VYPE: How has being on the academic team influenced your future aspirations or career goals?

CW: To be honest, it hasn’t really, but it’s definitely been a lot of fun. 

VYPE: What are your plans after high school?CW: I’m not sure yet; I’m looking into Ouachita Baptist, where I might go into English or music. I’m trusting God with the process!