YISS AQT Team Wins First Place at KAIAC Tournament

Written by Aiden Kim, Team A Captain, and Jessica Jackson, Faculty Sponsor

YISS AQT A team—represented by Aiden K. (11), Brian E. (11), Nolan S. (9), and Eunice L. (9) (left to right)—claimed first place at the KAIAC tournament hosted at SIS on November 8. Out of eight rounds, the A team lost only once, marking the first time in YISS history that the team has earned this top spot.

Each member brought a unique area of expertise: Aiden and Brian focused on science, Nolan on geography and history, and Eunice on mythology and literature. Their strong teamwork allowed them to tackle many bonus questions successfully, contributing to their historic win. Individually, Nolan and Brian placed 8th and 9th, scoring 32.86 and 31.43 points per 20 tossups heard, respectively.

“I am incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished,” said the faculty sponsor. “This Jeopardy-like competition challenges students to draw on a wide range of knowledge and demands lightning-fast thinking. It’s always impressive to watch them in action.”

Aiden highlighted the team’s strength in complementing each other’s areas of expertise. “Each member brings something different to the table,” he said. “Together, we’re able to tackle questions that might seem impossible individually.”

After losing last year’s senior-led team and longtime sponsor, Mr. Nelson, rebuilding could have been a challenge. But the new freshmen—some of whom competed at nationals in Chicago under the leadership of Yuna K. (11) and Aiden K. (11)—have proven to be a formidable combination. Following a second-place finish at the SFS tournament in September, the NAQT A team’s first-place finish at SIS in November signals a promising season ahead.