Stanislaus County junior high school students are gearing up for the 20^th Annual Stanislaus County Academic Pentathlon. Approximately 115 students are slated to participate in a series of tests, speeches, and essays featuring this year’s theme, Our Changing Climate. The Super Quiz and Awards Presentation is on Tuesday, April 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Martin G. Petersen Event Center (720 12^th Street, Modesto). 

Sponsored by the Stanislaus County Office of Education and the Education Foundation of Stanislaus County, the Pentathlon promotes scholastic achievement and interschool competition in academics. In the Pentathlon, 7^th and 8^th graders compete individually and as team members in Speech and a series of five tests in subject areas including Mathematics, Fine Arts, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.

Participating schools can send up to 18 students to serve on the team. “The competition provides a forum for celebrating achievement and academic excellence in a team environment,” said Student Events Program Manager Cheryl Goulart. “The Pentathlon is an educational activity that furthers a deep respect for knowledge, cooperation, and self-esteem in students.” 

Eight local junior high and middle schools are participating in this year’s event, including Blaker-Kinser, Creekside, Great Valley Academy, La Loma, Our Lady of Fatima, Prescott, Ross, and Vanguard College Preparatory.