Kruse Ward, a sophomore at Broken Bow High School, isn’t just your average student. With a penchant for academic challenges and a love for trivia, Kruse found his calling early on, inspired by his experience on the academic team during eighth grade at Holly Creek School. Reflecting on his motivation, Kruse shared, “I enjoyed it very much! I have always enjoyed trivia type of board games, as well.”
Being part of the academic team has gifted Kruse with memorable experiences, especially during speed rounds that touch on subjects he’s familiar with. “It is always fun when a speed round happens to fall into subject matter that I am familiar with. Some of those have been automotive, sports and music related,” he remarked, highlighting the excitement that comes with competition.
Kruse’s interests in general knowledge, U.S. geography, travel, common sense, automotive, sports and music genres stem from his homeschooling background until the eighth grade, which allowed his family to travel extensively. This exposure has enriched his understanding of national parks, landmarks and U.S. geography, giving him an edge in academic competitions.
Preparation is key for Kruse and his team. They dedicate time after school once a week during quiz bowl season to practice together, honing their skills and knowledge for upcoming competitions.
Being part of the academic team has contributed significantly to Kruse’s personal and academic growth. Despite feeling naturally slower in responding compared to his teammates, Kruse sees the quiz bowl competition as a challenge to think on his feet faster. He values the camaraderie within the team and the guidance of their teacher, fostering a close-knit environment where learning thrives.
Looking ahead, Kruse sees entrepreneurship as his path after high school. His interests span automotive repair, welding, retail sales and even building a tourism-based short-term rental business, reflecting a multi-faceted approach inherited from three generations of family businesses. As for the academic team, Kruse believes it has highlighted areas of knowledge for him to concentrate on, shaping his aspirations for the future. Kruse Ward’s future is bright, glowing with hope and anticipation as his high school journey reaches its halfway point.
