There are only so many classes at ChardonHigh School that start before the school day. There is only one class that has a unique credit that cannot be obtained any other way, and only focuses on one main topic for the whole school year. For those wondering what this class is, it is a Humanities class called ACADEC. ACADEC is short for Academic Decathlon, and is only available during zero period. Senior Jessica Gehring commented, “ACADEC is very useful since it is the only class that offers Humanitarian credits at our high school. Colleges love to see these credits on transcripts.” Students in the class have to drive to school and be there at 6:40 A.M. (when most other students are barely awake), and are required to do various activities related to the theme. Senior and Vice President of ACADEC, Hannah Bena, stated, “Even though the class is zero period, it’s worth it to come to school early because it is such an amazing class!”
Last year, the theme was Russia, and Chardon’s team got far. The team placed runner-up at the state competition and was able to participate in the Online National Competition. CHS placed 9th, which was impressive, considering that almost every state participated in the competition. This year, Chardon’s team is learning about a topic that is covered in US History: World War 1. However, ACADEC takes a more in-depth approach that tackles the topics from many different perspectives. Senior Katie Goodge wanted to add, “I have been enjoying this year’s theme of World War 1 a lot more than last year’s topic on Russia. Honestly, I thought only learning about Russia was very boring, but this year I am able to expand on my knowledge on World War 1 from many different perspectives.”
The ACADEC team consists of 19 students, and their advisor, Mr. Herner. The students participating this year are as followed: Luke Horwatt (President), Hannah Bena (VP), Gwen Norsic, Marcus Morris (both officers), Jessica Gehring, Erin Grantham, Katie Goodge, Emily Petkosek, Dakota Rumford, James Brookshire, Kirsten Goodge, Austin Pestello, David Nedrow, Jackie Schlag, Jem Shaffer, Abbie Green, Ashton Cox, Ray Bender, and Danny Kirchner. The current team is roughly the same size as last year’s team, but most of the students from last year are now attending colleges across the US. Only six of the team members, Hannah, Luke, Katie, Erin, Gwen, and Marcus, were on the team last year. Senior Erin Grantham said, “It’s really great that we have so many new students this year because our legacy can carry down through the underclassmen, and they will be able to strive for success years after our class is gone.”