FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Fulton Students Take Pentathlon Honors

Brains, luck and hours of study paid off for Harry C. Fulton Middle School students who recently became Orange County’s pentathlon champions.

“Winning adds another accomplishment for the school,” said Kimi Bacon, a member of the eighth-grade team. “It boosts your self-esteem and confidence.”

More than 40 county middle schools participated in the event last month, in which the county was divided into two regions, with seventh- and eighth-grade students competing.

Students were tested in math, science, social science, writing and literature, said Alexis Dane, one of Fulton’s three pentathlon coaches.

Fulton students captured first place overall in both seventh- and eighth-grade competitions and accumulated the highest number of points in both regions, Dane said.

Students brought home scores of medals--and pride in themselves.

Two members of the school’s seventh-grade team, Sean Chou and Jeff Johnson, were named top pentathletes in the county. Eighth-grader Mark Goodman was also a first-place winner.

“I think it’s an outstanding experience,” Dane said. “It maximizes their potential in a lot of ways, especially for the ‘C’ students. It can change their lives, because they get a different point of view of themselves.”

Dane said that not only do the top-of-the-class, “bookish” students compete but also students who earn average grades. “You don’t have to be the best,” agreed Kimi, a “B” student.

Pentathlon teams have nine students who compete: three “A” students, three “B” students and three “C” students. Dane said more than 60 students tried out for the team, but only 18 students were chosen for both grades, plus 10 student alternates.

“The kids who seek to be on the team are people who thrive on competition,” she said. “They’re really responsible learners.”

The competition helps motivate the students involved and also excites them about learning. “It does bring out their best,” Dane said.

Eighth-grader Justin Chambers, who is a “C” student, said his grades have improved since he became involved in the pentathlon and helped him do well on a high school honors test.

Students also said that while preparing for the competition, they learn about things they would not have been taught in classes, such as genetics and the Nobel Peace Prize.

Fulton Principal Tom Markel said the school is proud of the team.

“I just want people to realize that this recognition is well-deserved,” Markel said. “Their medals and plaques represent so much time and dedication by the students and coaches.”