A LOCAL television tradition for more than 40 years will feature South Carroll High School this month at the taping of It's Academic.
"We got our team together last spring," said Gary Foote, South Carroll physics teacher and coach. "Ever since, we've been training by going over questions. And, recently, we even bought a buzzer system to help prepare."
The weekly high school quiz show began taping its 32nd season in Baltimore and 42nd season in Washington this year. Each show features three-area high school teams, made up of three players each, competing to answer questions related to science, math, history, literature and current events.
South Carroll will compete against Oakland Mills and Patuxent high schools when the show is taped Nov. 23. The show featuring South Carroll will air at 11 a.m. Feb. 1 on WJZ-TV, Channel 13, with host Paul Berry.
"I've always aspired to be on a quiz type show like Jeopardy! or Who Wants to be a Millionaire," said Adam Blincoe, a South Carroll It's Academic team member. "I thought I had a talent for trivia, and I thought I could do as well" as the other contestants.
The Mount Airy senior, like his team members, also plays sports and sees the importance of teamwork.
"It's a little different, but you do have to depend on your other team members," said Adam, an offensive lineman on the varsity football team. "Each of us has our own specialty. I'm good at American history, while someone else is an expert on science and math questions."
Erin Yokay, a junior from Mount Airy, is an alternate team member.
"I play on the volleyball team, and it's a different mind set," she said. "But the teamwork is still similar because if one person doesn't know the answer, the other person has to be there to back them up."
Team member Rob Bay agrees. "It is intellectually challenging, and you definitely have to work together," he said.
The team has been practicing once a week watching It's Academic shows from previous seasons and has been going over pages of questions.
"We've been working on strategy," said team member Doug Denison. "For instance, when you ring in, you know you have at least a couple of seconds to think about your answer."
Adam said the questions aren't that tough."But, since this is our first year as a team, we know it's going to be challenging to do well."
The show gives South Carroll a moment in the spotlight. The school is the only Carroll County team in the competition.
"It's good publicity for the school, and I hope it means kids are paying attention to different subjects in the school," Foote said.
"We know it's not just a fun experience," Adam said. "We want to get out there to show what our school has to offer."
Holiday bazaar
St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mount Airy will present its annual Holiday Bazaar.
The church's biggest fund-raiser of the year will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 9 at the church, 16457 Old Frederick Road.
"This bazaar has been going on close to 20 years," said Sue de la Cruz, co-chairwoman. "I grew up in the church and can remember shopping for handmade tree ornaments."
Preparation for the event, including planning meetings and making the many craft items, goes on all year, said Patricia Pollack, church member.
The bazaar features baked goods, jellies, candies, dried flowers, wreaths, arrangements and an expanded silent auction. A big seller last year was a product the church calls gourmet-to-go. It features homemade dinners that are frozen, designed for busy families.
Lunch will be served during the bazaar.
Information: 410-489-4411.
Lesa Jansen's Southwest neighborhood column appears each Friday in the Carroll County edition of The Sun.
