(SCS) — The 2025 Middle School Academic Challenge Bowl took place on February 15, 2025, with Saipan Community School emerging as the champion among 12 participating schools across the CNMI.
This annual competition, hosted by the Saipan Southern High School Chapter of the National Honor Society, brings together middle school students from across the Commonwealth to showcase their academic knowledge and teamwork.
Participating schools:
• Chacha Ocean View Middle School
• Dandan Middle School
• Hopwood Middle School
• Tanapag Middle School
• Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School Rota
• Tinian Jr./Sr. High School
• Grace Christian Academy
• Saipan International School
• Agape Christian School
• Green Meadow School
• Mount Carmel School
• Saipan Community School
Coached by SCS Principal Amanda June Allen Dunn, the Saipan Community School team demonstrated outstanding academic skills and teamwork throughout the competition. The team was composed of Elijah Pangelinan, Vivian Chung, Jesus Villagomez, Jina Chun, and Iyani Muna, who worked together to secure their victory against strong competition from schools across the CNMI.
The competition followed a structured format, featuring two rounds of challenging questions covering Science, Social Studies, Math, English, Computer Science, Music, Arts, Sports, and Current Events. Each team comprised five students, with three competing at a time and two serving as alternates.
The first round included easy and medium questions, while the second round increased in difficulty, culminating in hard questions worth 15 points each. The top-scoring teams from the first round advanced to the final round, where the team with the highest combined score was declared the Middle School Academic Challenge Bowl Champion.
Saipan Community School displayed exceptional teamwork and academic skills, securing first place and earning the opportunity to represent the CNMI at national academic competitions.
SSHS National Honor Society members organized and facilitated the event, with faculty and staff serving as judges. The Academic Challenge Bowl continues to promote academic excellence, critical thinking, and collaboration among middle school students.
