Herndon High School team wins academic quiz show

by Miki Djokic, Herndon High School

Herndon's team at the center desk: (left to right) Miki Djokic, Peter Hester and Matthew Wacek. The Hornets team took first place in "It's Academic" in October. Photo by David Lubinsky

Herndon High School has won a match on the televised quiz show "It's Academic" for the first time since the 1990s, defeating teams from George C. Marshall High School and Walter Johnson High School.

Three Herndon students competed in the Oct. 20 match: Peter Hester, Miki Djokic and Matthew Wacek. The team earned 500 points to secure the victory.

Founded in 1961, "It's Academic" features high school students from throughout the Washington metropolitan area competing in a televised test of general knowledge.

Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's longest-running high school television quiz show, the program challenges students with questions covering a wide range of subjects.

Although three students represent each school during a televised match, Herndon's full It's Academic club includes 11 students. David Lubinsky, an art history teacher, and J. Spies serve as the club's sponsors.

Students prepare for competition through regular practices, building their knowledge and sharpening their ability to respond quickly under pressure. The club also gives students opportunities to challenge themselves and learn alongside classmates with similar interests.

The victory earns Herndon an invitation to return for the show's spring playoffs, according to the school. The team will have another opportunity to compete against area schools as the season progresses.

For Herndon's team, the win marks a significant milestone after years of coming close to victory.