Leading Firms Align to Support Upcoming Arizona Academic Decathlon Season

PHOENIX, AZ–(EMWNews – July 28, 2008) – Since 1984, Arizona has fielded a US Academic

Decathlon team. The US Academic Decathlon has been around since 1968, when

it was started in Orange County California by Dr. Robert Peterson. While

Arizona has never taken first place at the national event, the Arizona team

has placed in the top five for 19 straight years.

Each year’s Academic Decathlon events bring with them a new theme and a

quest for academic glory. The theme for the 2008/2009 season is Latin

America, with particular emphasis on Mexico.

With almost 120 schools, approximately 180 teachers and coaches and over

1800 students participating, the 2008/2009 Arizona Academic Decathlon

promises to be one of the most competitive yet.

Arizona Academic Decathlon Executive Director, Anne Edelstein, commented,

“Here in Arizona we have the third largest Academic Decathlon program in

the US. Our students, schools, teachers and coaches are motivated and have

a winning spirit and a history of high performance.”

In order to support this season’s Decathlon, several companies have stepped

up to the plate as the top five sponsors. These firms include marketing

and advertising firm Zion & Zion,

utility provider SRP, health insurer

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona,

chip maker Intel and US Airways, which will be providing

travel to nationals for the Arizona team.

About Arizona Academic Decathlon:

The Arizona Academic Decathlon’s mission is to promote, motivate and

acknowledge excellence in academic efforts and educational achievement

through a program of academic competitions for high school students of all

scholastic achievement levels.

The organization’s goals are to encourage students to excel in academic

pursuits by promoting enthusiasm for learning, developing a spirit of

competition, working as a member of a team, participating in peer tutoring,

undertaking interdisciplinary study, emphasizing preparation and research,

acquiring an understanding of the fine arts and increasing communication

skills.

The Arizona Academic Decathlon also strives to improve the total

educational program in Arizona by promoting the importance of excellence in

broad academic performance, motivating students to reach their fullest

potential and establishing a positive image of students in Arizona

communities.

The organization also encourages community and business involvement and

support of academic excellence through contribution of funds, time, talent

and or materials.