More than 100 students from 15 area middleschools participated in the third annual West Kentucky Academic Association (WKAA) competition at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, November 16.
Ballard County, Caldwell County, Calloway County, Carlisle County, Community Christian (Paducah), Graves County, Heath, Hickman County, Livingston County, Lone Oak, North Marshall, Paducah, Reidland, St. Mary, and South Marshall participated in this year’s competition. Lone Oak took first place honors. Graves County came in second, followed by Calloway County and Heath for third and fourth place, respectively. Each team played three quick recall matches.
The teams were seeded after pool play and played a single-elimination championship bracket. Also, ten future problem-solvingteams competed in the event. “I am excited to see the tournament growing and more schools participating,” said Laura Herndon, Community Christian Academy tournament coordinator and coach. "It is wonderful having high school volunteers from Paducah Tilghman and Heath.
We couldn't manage a tournament of this size without their help.” Gary Goodaker, assistant coordinator of the tournament and a professor of mathematics at WKCTC, said college officials are pleased to “have these bright, engaged students on campus to showcase their achievements and hard work.” "Seeing our middle schools not just allowing, but encouraging, students to achieve at the highest levels academically speaks volumes,” Goodaker said. “This type of competition encourages the students who already making A's and distinguished test scores to go beyond the basic levels of knowledge. This activitymotivates our top students and helps them realize their full potential.”
For further information, contact Laura Herndon, WKAA Middle School Vice-President, at LauraHerndon@ccapaducah.org or Gary Goodaker, WKAA High School Vice-President, at gary.goodaker@kctcs.edu .