SCC's Upward Bound Scholar Bowl Team Takes Second Place

WELDON, NC - For almost six months, seven local high school students didn't put away their textbooks after their homework was done. Instead, they picked up more books and devoted their personal time to studying Greek mythology, science, math, sports, literature and art. And, in the end, they all agree it was time well spent.

Seven members of SCC's Upward Bound program took second place at a scholar bowl hosted at Halifax Community College. Team members included (from left): Keri Upson and Joby Upson of Sylva: Jenna Smith, Franklin; Andrew Davis, Bryson City; Shandy Conley, Cashiers; Brandy Cantrell, Sylva; and John Read, Bryson City.

"It was really exciting," said Brandy Cantrell, a junior at Smoky Mountain High School. "We made this commitment to ourselves and to each other, and we really stuck to it."

Cantrell, and a team of six other high school students from Jackson, Macon and Swain counties made up Southwestern Community College's 2004 Upward Bound Scholar Bowl Team. Team members were Cantrell, Joby Upson and Keri Upson of Sylva; Jenna Smith of Franklin; Andrew Davis and John Read of Bryson City; and Shandy Conley of Cashiers.

The team competed against eleven other teams in a scholar bowl tournament hosted at Halifax Community College in Weldon, NC. Teams were comprised of six members with four students from each team competing against each other. In the end, one question separated first and second place winners.

"It was hard knowing that one more question could have made all the difference," said Cantrell. But like a true champion, she held her head up and said, "The good part is, we know we can take first next year."

For additional information on SCC's Upward Bound program, contact Annette Kesgen, director of Upward Bound at 586-4091 or (800) 447-4091, Ext. 462.

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