The Academic Bowl team from Missouri School for the Deaf (MSD) will travel Washington, D.C., to compete as a wild-card team in the 2016 national Academic Bowl at Gallaudet University, a private university for the deaf and hard of hearing. Each year, 24 teams are chosen for the national competition. This year’s nationals will be held April 23-26.

“The preparation of these students to compete on a national level is an example of the great things Missouri schools are doing for all students every day,” said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “We are excited for these kids and will be cheering them on in April!”

Gallaudet University established the Academic Bowl for Deaf and Hard of Hearing High School Students in 1997 to foster the pursuit of academic excellence, promote a spirit of academic competition and sportsmanship, and provide social opportunities for the development of teamwork and lifelong friendships. Every year, Gallaudet University hosts five regional competitions for up to 90 teams of deaf and hard of hearing high school students.

MSD competes in the Midwest Region. This season, 15 schools divided into two pools participated in the Midwest regional competition at the Ohio School for the Deaf in December 2015. MSD teachers Debbie Burnaman and Jennifer Morales coached their team to five wins and two losses to qualify for the national competition. 

The Academic Bowl consists of a question and answer game of general knowledge and quick recall. Questions are drawn from the following categories: Social Studies; Language and Literature; Science and Technology; Mathematics; The Arts; Deaf Studies; Current Events; Potpourri; and Pop Culture, Leisure, and Sports.

One of MSD’s students, Cody Avila, was recognized with All-Star Players status for his performance. Cody is one of four students from the Midwest region to earn that status this season.