Team Profile
Starting today in Phoenix, eight seniors and one junior from Moorpark High School will take on teams from across the nation at the U.S. Academic Decathlon in an attempt to reclaim the title won by the school in 1999.
Julie Bristol
GPA: 3.4
Nickname: “Jules”
Age: 18
After graduation: A master’s/teaching credential program
Speech topic: How Yesenia Alvia inspired me to work toward a career in teaching instead of law
Strong events: Math, speech, interview
One-sentence description: “I love to learn, I love to live and I love to be.”
Jerome Yang
GPA: 3.4
Nickname: “J-Ro”
Age: 18
After graduation: UC San Diego, economics
Speech topic: Cultural diversity in education
Strong events: Literature and economics
“I like ketchup.”
Dean Reich
GPA: 4.3
Nickname: “Captain C”
Age: 17
After graduation: Caltech, physics
Speech topic: Vision and perspectives
Strong events: Math and science
“I’m a well-rounded person with a strong work ethic who loves to sleep.”
Johnny Mendoza
GPA: 4.1
Nickname: “Monkey”
Age: 18
After graduation: Stanford University, mechanical engineering
Speech topic: Overcoming grief
Strong events: Economics, science and math
“Brown and proud.”
Nathaniel Jones
GPA: 4.3
Nickname: “Nate”
Age: 16
After graduation: Wander the world
Speech topic: Rebuilding
Strong events: Essay and art
“El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido.” (A community united can never be defeated)
Sheena Sidhu
GPA: 3.9
Nickname: “The Sheenster”
Age: 17
After graduation: UC San Diego
Speech topic: Goodbyes
Strong events: Speech and science
“I am Canadian.”
Michelle Kim
GPA: 4.01
Nickname: “Mish”
Age: 18
After graduation: UC Berkeley
Speech topic: Cooperation versus rivalry
Strong events: Art, math and interview
“I am a happy person.”
Andy Song
GPA: 4.1
No nickname
Age: 17
After graduation: UCLA, engineering
Speech topic: Wile E. Coyote and perseverance
Strong events: Science and math
“I like vanilla ice cream ... MEEP MEEP!”
Sergio Suarez
GPA: 3.3
No nickname
Age: 18
After graduation: Onward and upward to college and beyond
Speech topic: My father
Strong events: My strength is in being well-rounded
“Constant vigilance!”