At Shadow Ridge High School, students have many opportunities to show off their talents, from running the field in team sports to flaunting their knowledge in after school activities. Among them, the Varsity Quiz team stands out as a team run by brain power. This team isn’t about physical strength, it’s a battle of wits, where quick thinking and vast knowledge play an important role.
Run by teacher Melissa Killgo, the Varsity Quiz team holds their meetings every Wednesday in room 826. These meetings are a great place for trivia enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone eager to test their skills under pressure. Varsity Quiz emphasizes general knowledge across different subjects such as literature, geography, and pop culture, focusing on rapid thinking and reaction.
The competition keeps everyone on their toes. Competitions unfold in three intense rounds, where teams face off against rivals from other schools. A question is asked, and the first person to buzz in gets a chance to answer the question. Schools compete for a chance to compete in the playoffs, which are recorded and broadcasted to the VegasPBS TV channel, this adds an extra layer of intensity and excitement. These competitions highlight the importance of teamwork in these competitions.
“Anyone can find their skill set and contribute to the team,” Killgo said.
(Melissa Killgo)
Beyond the intense matches and quick thinking, Varsity Quiz builds lasting skills. It helps build sharper focus, better memory retention, and interest in learning new things. The team is very welcoming, there is no prior experience required, just enthusiasm.
“Some of the benefits include making new friends from Shadow to across the district,” Killgo explained “Anyone and everyone is welcome regardless of ability. We are here to have fun and learn some new facts.”
Adding to the appeal, Varsity Quiz opens doors to scholarships, rewarding academic excellence and competitive spirit. Anyone can join, whether they are a beginner to trivia or a trivia nerd, this team transforms knowledge into connections and opportunities.
Students can head to room 826 on Wednesdays and join in on the trivia madness with Varsity Quiz, they can also have a chance to be on TV and get chances to receive scholarships for their quick thinking and team skills. Shadow Ridge’s Varsity Quiz team proves that smarts can be the ultimate game changer.
