The move to social distancing caused many changes for students, but the changes also brought about new opportunities to shine on an international stage. Jack Rado, a rising 10th-grader from James A. Garfield High School, was one of 178 high school students competing online in Buzzword this season. But unlike their normal quiz bowl competitions, in which teams play face-to-face, Jack played from home as an individual.
Jack was the ninth-best player in the Popular Culture and Sports category in the High School Division.
Buzzword is a web-based academic competition with divisions for middle school, high school, and college competitors. Players listen to recordings of questions being read and buzz in as soon as they think they know the answer. Correct answers are scored, with extra points given for earlier buzzes. National Academic Quiz Tournaments created Buzzword to allow academic competitions to continue during social distancing. NAQT had to cancel most of its 2020 quiz bowl national championships, which collectively would have brought about 10,000 people together. Buzzword also has an Open Division for the general public.
If you are interested in playing Buzzword, whether you’re a student or not, try a sample game and register at naqt.com/buzzword. The next season of Buzzword will begin on July 2 and run for eight weeks. There are also often individual games with special subjects like movies, sports, history, and more.
Way to go, Jack!
