The team was composed of Christian Tuazon Kelina Hocog,Franory Lynn Mesngon, Beda Mundo, John Quitugua III and Bri Anne Taimanao.
The assistant coach was Bernie Maratita.
Calvary Christian Academy placed second place. The team members were Savannah Lyn Delos Santos, Hyun Bin Hwang, Ye Youn Lee, Grant Rhee and Tiana Mahealani Runjo. Their coach was Rey Perez.
The defending champion, San Vicente Elementary School, placed third after competing in two “sudden death rounds” against William S. Reyes Elementary School to break the tie.
The San Vicente team was composed of Joann Bandales, Ann Jeline Manabat, Johnny Penalosa, Gayatri Nandwani and Solomon Ko. Their coaches were Cristina C. Yohannan and Tara White.
In an interview, Yohannan said the students’ preparation was not enough for this year’s challenge. She said she failed to personally coach the team because she had to attend to “important business matters” for two weeks.
“But the students worked hard and were very committed,” she added. “We are satisfied with the results.”
The other participating schools were Kagman Elementary School, Oleai, Dandan, Gregorio T. Camacho, Garapan, Koblerville, Mount Carmel, Ladera, Saipan International School, Sinapalo and Saipan Community School.
Lyvonn Taisacan, one of the advisers of Marianas High School’s National Honor Society, said she was impressed by the big turnout although Tanapag Elementary School was not able to make it in the last minute.
The other advisers were Chas Algaier and Michelle Taisacan who also acted as judges along with Lyvonn Taisacan and Brad Ruszala.
The contest had three levels of questions — easy, medium and hard.
The quizmaster was Lyza Lacsina.
The annual Academic Bee Challenge is hosted by the MHS National Honor Society and this year sponsors were Rep. Ramon A. Tebuteb, Speaker Arnold I. Palacios, Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, Rep. Edward T. Salas, LBT Appraisal and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3457.
