Aca Deca

Tonight is the Academic Decathlon district competition. Angie Alston is coaching this year, and has offered me my choice of "speech judge" "interview judge" "essay judge" or "attitude." I told her to put me down for whatever was open when those that cared had picked. I did Speech's last year, and that was sort of fun. It's hard to objectively judge a kid, especially when you helped them write half of the speech. I think I might have judged my own kids too hard, since I expect more out of them.

This year, however, I was put on the interview circuit. I had two of my own kids, Heather and Miizuk, two kids from Stebbins, and two from Savoonga. It was . . . interesting. Some of the kids, especially those who have done this last year, dressed pretty, had sparkling personalities, and had well thought out responses. Some, umm, didn't. But, it's a learning experience.

At the end of the interview (4-6 minutes, or 11. Depending) the student is given a minute to "Share any other thoughts you'd like us to know. Some kids pulled something out, some just smiled and shook their heads. Austin was prepared. While I didn't have the opportunity to interview him, as there were two sets, I did see him go in. It turns out that he told his coach that he was going to spend that minute discussing ice cream. Angie offered him $5 if he could talk for the entire minute. He pulled it off.

Tomorrow is the awards ceremony, so I may get some pictures and post them here.