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Lisa W. Rawls
Academic Competitions Coordinator
P.O. Box 391
Bartow, Florida 33831
Phone: (863) 968-5168
Fax or Message: (863) 968-5169
lisa.rawls@polk-fl.net
Sponsors
The Commissioner's Academic Challenge is a highly academic statewide high school tournament inaugurated in 1986. The districts are placed in three divisions based on the fall FTE summary provided by the Florida Department of Education. Each team consists of six members (a maximum of four players during each of the three rounds and two alternates) and a coach. A maximum of six teams may compete in one competition round. This is not a quick response, trivial pursuit contest. Instead, it is a slower-paced tournament in which players are asked questions from the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, the fine arts, world languages (French and Spanish) and technology. The questions are written by educators from high schools throughout the state.
- Check out the CAC Photo Galleries (password: challenge)
Who
One team consisting of six high school students and one coach is selected to represent each school district. Students enrolled in grades 9-12 during the 2011-2012 school year are eligible.
What
This event is a highly academic statewide high school tournament inaugurated in 1986. The districts are placed in three divisions based on the fall FTE summary provided by the Florida Department of Education. Each team consists of six members (a maximum of four players during each of the three rounds and two alternates) and a coach. A maximum of six teams may compete in one competition round. This is not a quick response, trivial pursuit contest. Instead, it is a slower-paced tournament in which players are asked questions from the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, the fine arts, world languages (French and Spanish), the humanities and technology. Educators from high schools throughout the state write the questions.
Where
The state academic tournament will be held in the Convention Center of the Contemporary Resort, Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
When
The dates for the 2012 competition are April 19-21. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. There is no charge for admission.
Why
The goal of the tournament is to provide a prestigious academic arena in which Florida's academically talented high school students are recognized. A sponsor is being sought to award scholarships to the 2012 winners.
The Florida Sales Team of Herff Jones, Inc. for the past 25 years has sponsored commemorative pins for each participant and championship rings for each 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-place team member and coach in each division and will continue this sponsorship for the 2012 event. In addition, the Florida High School Athletic Association awards trophies to the state champion districts in the three divisions and medallions to the members of these district teams.
Team Florida consists of six students, one each from the division-winning districts and three chosen from the remaining teams. The six students earning this distinction will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Team Florida Qualifications
- The student must be a member of a Commissioner's Academic Challenge district team.
- The student should plan to attend the Awards Ceremony, April 21, 2012.
- A Consent & Release form must be completed and on file in the state tournament office.
How
The 2012 state tournament support groups to date include:
- Aramark Education
- Herff Jones, Inc.
- Florida Department of Education
- Florida Lottery
- Florida School District of Polk County
- Florida School District of Pinellas County
How Much
Team grants are awarded to each participating district through a Florida DOE grant and other collected funds, lowering the cost for seven (7) registrations (inclusive of a three-day Park Hopper pass and eight meals beginning with the morning orientation reception on Thursday, April 19 and concluding with the Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 21) to $1,975. Additional registrations are $425 each. The deadline for payment is Friday, February 10, 2012. A late fee of $40.00 per registration will be charged after this date.
No registrations will be sold after March 16.
Rooms are $199 each per night, and districts are responsible for reserving rooms at the hotel by phoning Disney reservations at 407-824-3869 by Friday, February 17, 2012. Proof of tax exempt status is required at check-in to avoid applicable taxes.
The Awards Banquet is the only meal that may be purchased separately from the registration. The cost is $75, and extra tickets must be purchased by March 16.