Sisler students win team trivia provincials at Reach for the Top

On May 24th, Sisler students Ethan Blackburn, Sipara Berhe, Aasmi Bhatli, and Adeleine Collins competed in their impressive debut for Reach for the Top; a competitive and fast-paced team trivia competition. Taking on five other divisional champion teams from across the province, they maintained their undefeated run by beating St. Paul's High School in a close 320–300 win in the 2023 Intermediate Reach for the Top season.

 "They had an impressive season," said co-coach Heather Johnson. "The provincials were tough. They played seven games straight against strong teams, but they kept their heads and didn't lose focus. The team finished with a 13-0 record overall for the year, which is something to be proud of. Each of the players contribute in all of the games, so they're not dependent on only one or two strong players. They are a well-rounded team."

There are four players per team, and two teams per game. The trivia questions are read out loud, and whichever team answers correctly first wins the point. Most questions are worth 10 points, but some special questions are worth 20 points and the most difficult questions are worth up to 40 points.

 "It was amazing to spend time with other students who love trivia as much as I do," Adeleine Collins agreed. "Every practice we had was a strange yet beautiful amalgamation of education, conversation, and laughter. It was a truly magical experience."

The intermediate level of Reach for the Top consists of Grades 9 and 10 students and the senior level is for Grades 11 and 12. 

Co-coach Saige Pereira added, "It was such a fun year with them. You could really see how much they enjoyed learning and practicing, and how seriously they took each game. They didn't take anything for granted and worked hard for every point they earned. They all get along and respect each other, which I think plays a big part in how they work together as a team."

All questions during the competition are based on what students are expected to be familiar with (and then some). Categories can vary between general knowledge, pop culture, history, literature, science, geography, politics, sports, and arts.

Sipara Berhe shared some of her strategies. "I would find songs for certain topics, like the Periodic Table. Sometimes I had to write my own, like for the South American countries, but singing the information would help me remember it."

Aasmi Bhatli is excited for the coming season. "It was so fun this year. I'm looking forward to seeing how we do next year."