PHOTOS/ Jessica Lu & Keilana Pang Clockwise from left: SciOly review a test during a late night study session; SkillsUSA outside the Toyota Arena after the State Conference closing ceremony; FBLA studies their event material in preparation for States
By Jessica Lu,
Staff Writer
The vigorous typing and rustling of papers accompanied late night study sessions for FBLA, Science Olympiad and SkillsUSA students as they prepared to represent TCHS for their various state competitions.
Science Olympiad
On April 9, Science Olympiad participated in the State of California Competition at CalTech and placed fourth, the highest the team has ever finished in at the state level, along with placing first in the flight competition. The event was the first in-person state competition in three years, following quarantine and a virtual competition last year.
“I think Science Olympiad at Temple City is definitely special,” Captain Phoenix He said. “Looking back on our state awards ceremony video, you know when Temple City medalled because our cheers are often the loudest out of all the teams there. I think that’s a testimonial of our bond. Studying six hours a week isn’t easy, and I think we should all be very proud of ourselves, and know that there are always higher places to go.”
Currently, Science Olympiad is preparing for a competition for Division A, the elementary school division, and are focusing on writing tests and helping run the event for the elementary schoolers. Additionally, they are planning an end of the season banquet and choosing new captains for the upcoming year.
FBLA
FBLA competed in the Gold Coast Sections Conference on Feb. 11 at Santa Susana High School. Students with objective events such as Economics and Business Law tested in our Media Center on Feb. 6, while those with presentation events such as Job Interview and Public Speaking competed and got their scores at Sections that day.
This year, 38 individuals advanced to States, in events ranging from Securities and Investments to Entrepreneurship.
The upcoming State Leadership Conference from April 27 to 30 in Sacramento is a four-day trip where qualifying members are flown out to Sacramento and stay overnight in a hotel.
“I think having so many people qualify for States shows that you can actually learn so much more about business than you think,” Vice President Isabel Xu said. “I’m really excited and proud, because a lot of people think FBLA is just like a business club, but being able to go to States in Sacramento shows that we do have fun and exciting events that people could possibly have a chance at attending if they put their effort and passion into it.”
SkillsUSA
From April 13 to 16, SkillUSA members competed in the 56th Annual Leadership and Skill Conference at the Ontario Convention Center, in events ranging from Cybersecurity to Nurse Assisting.
Health Knowledge Bowl team E, consisting of seniors Angela Mo, Phoenix He, Jonathan Zhao and junior Ethan Li placed first and qualified for Nationals in early June.
“My team and I really looked forward to competing not just at the state level, but at regionals too, and I hope to make our city proud and make a name for ourselves,” Mo said. “We’re really grateful for the opportunity, and I’m very proud of everyone, not just my team, of how hard we’ve all worked.”