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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School wins National Academic Decathlon competition

March 31, 2022 at 3:42 pm

    Middle school students from the Yorba Linda campus received the first place overall award for the National Catholic Academic Junior High Decathlon.

    Garden Grove, Calif. (March 31, 2022) — St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School took home the top honor from the National Catholic Academic Junior High Decathlon, a competition made in partnership with the National Catholic Educational Association. This event, geared for children grades 6 to 8, was held virtually on March 26.

    The Yorba Linda campus’ team, coached by Jennifer Pigott under Principal Jeannette Lambert, won the 1st place overall award, which recognized the children’s skills and knowledge in a variety of topics, such as logic, current events, English, fine arts and religion.

    “This is a huge accomplishment for St. Francis of Assisi, as well as our other schools that participated, given the dedication, time and talent that goes into coaching, preparing and participating for the decathlon itself,” said Dr. Denise Valadez, associate superintendent of curriculum, spirituality and accreditation for the Diocese of Orange Department of Catholic Schools.

    Individual students from Diocese of Orange Catholic schools were recognized as well. Their awards and categories are listed below: 

    2nd place – Current Events – St. Edward the Confessor, Dana Point

    3rd place – English – St. Edward the Confessor

    2nd place – Fine Arts – Blessed Sacrament, Westminster

    2nd place – Literature – St. Juliana Falconieri, Fullerton

    1st place – Mathematics – St. Francis of Assisi, Yorba Linda

    2nd place – Religion – St. Francis of Assisi

    3rd place – Science – St. Francis of Assisi

    2nd place – SuperQuiz – St. Francis of Assisi

     

    Media outlets that would like individual students’ names or wish to speak with the Diocese about the awards are asked to contact Bradley Zint ([email protected], 714-282-6052) and Christina Montes ([email protected], 714-282-6035).

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    About the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

    With 1.3 million Catholics, 57 parishes, five Catholic centers and 35 schools, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is one of the largest and most diverse faith communities in the United States. The Diocese empowers Catholics across Orange County to have an active life of faith that is integrated and woven into the fabric of their daily lives through the community and sacramental life of the Church. Under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Vann, the Diocese works to establish and support dynamic, vibrant parishes and schools welcoming all to live the Gospel with faith, joy, charity and unity. Christ Cathedral, the spiritual home of the Bishop of Orange, was dedicated in July 2019.

    Learn more about the Diocese of Orange at www.rcbo.org.