Liberty High School’s Academic Decathlon team competed in competition in Corpus Christi this weekend, and placed second in Region III behind Bandera High School. As statewide results came in on Sunday afternoon, it became clear that Liberty placed second not only in Region III, but also second in the entire state of Texas among all competitors in the small school division. 

This year’s theme was the decade of the 1960s. Students competed in Social Science, Mathematics, Science, Speech, Interview, Music, Art, Economics, Language and Literature, and Essay.

In the social science competition, Gavin Deshotel earned a silver medal in the scholastic division, and Lauryn Mitchel earned a bronze medal in the varsity division.

In the art competition, Gavin Deshotel earned a bronze medal in the scholastic division.

In the Language and Literature competition Keaton Parker earned a silver medal in the honors division, Gavin Deshotel earned a gold medal in the scholastic division, and Lauryn Mitchell earned a bronze medal in the varsity division.

In the science competition TaNia Donatto earned a silver medal in the honors division, and Gavin Deshotel earned a bronze medal in the scholastic division.                                   

In economics TaNia Donatto earned a gold medal in the honors division, Gavin Deshotel earned a silver medal in the scholastic division, and Chasitie Evans earned a bronze medal in the scholastic division.

In the music competition Keaton Parker and TaNia Donatto tied for the bronze medal in the honors division, and Gavin Deshotel earned a silver medal in the scholastic division.

In the mathematics competition TaNia Donatto earned a bronze medal in the honors division, and Lauryn Mitchell earned a gold medal in the varsity division.

In the essay competition TaNia Donatto earned a silver medal in the honors division, Chasitie Evans earned a gold medal in the scholastic division, and Lauryn Mitchell earned a silver medal in the varsity division.

In the interview competition TaNia Donatto earned a gold medal in the honors division, Chasitie Evans earned a gold medal in the scholastic division.

In the speech competition Keaton Parker and TaNia Donatto tied for the silver medal in the honors division, and TaNia earned the bronze medal in the speech honors division.

Texas Academic Decathlon recognized the overall top five scoring students overall in cumulative scores of the 10 events. Overall, the following students were recognized:

TaNia Donatto scored second overall in the honors division

Alexandria Smith scored fifth overall in the honors division

Gavin Deshotel scored fourth overall in the scholastic division.

Chasitie Evans scored fifth overall in the scholastic division.

The team also competed in the SuperQuiz, a public arena event where each division of students is asked 39 questions and are scored while all teams, coaches, parents, and other supporters cheer from the audience. Although the SuperQuiz does not affect the overall Academic Decathlon score, Liberty brought home nine medals and  a third place team trophy for this event.

Liberty’s team earned 49 medals at this weekend’s competition. The team will compete in the state tournament next month March 8-10.

Decathlon Coaches are Randy Gunter and Zachary Taylor. Decathlon parent sponsor and science and speech instructor is Brandon Smith.