VYPE: What grade are you in and how long have you been involved with the Academic Team?
Asa Miller: I’m a junior, and I’ve been on the academic team since the 6th grade. I was designated as captain in the latter half of my sophomore year.
VYPE: What initially drew you to join the Academic Team?
AM: I first joined mainly because of recruitment by my friends who were already members of the team.
VYPE: What is your favorite subject or category to compete in during Academic Team events and why?
AM: My favorite question category is History. I’ve had many great history teachers who prepared me well.
VYPE: How do you prepare for Academic Team competitions?
AM: I get my preparation mainly by doing work for the classes I’m enrolled in: AP Chemistry, College Algebra, Composition II and Precalculus.
VYPE: Describe a time when your Academic Team faced a tough question or challenge. How did you handle it?
AM: The main challenge we face is hesitation. We have really brilliant people on our team, but the fear of getting a question incorrect pushes them away from answering. As the captain, I try to encourage my teammates, and it’s working well.
VYPE: How do you contribute to your Academic Team outside of competitions?
AM: I stay in contact with my teammates by talking to them in the halls, messaging them or getting together for different events.
VYPE: What is the most rewarding part of being on the Academic Team?
AM: The part I find most rewarding is the challenge. Going into every meet not knowing what new challenges await is amazing.
VYPE: What skills have you gained from participating in Academic Team competitions?
AM: The main skill I’ve developed is decisiveness. As captain, it’s imperative to answer quickly to ensure points over your opponents.
VYPE: What is a memorable moment or achievement from your time on the Academic Team?
AM: One highlight came in junior high at a regional meet. Our coach, Betty Roberts, had us well prepared. I averaged 220 points per game over five games, helping us beat the previous regional champions and advance to state. That trip is still something we talk about today.
