By Evelyn Rossi – Staff Reporter 

The annual Brian Bowl hosted by the National Honor Society once again brought students together for an exciting trivia game, teamwork, and school spirit, all while supporting a great cause.

The event raised money for pediatric brain cancer research through donations and fundraising efforts. 

After three rounds of competition, the sophomore class was victorious in this year’s Brain Bowl, defeating the junior class in the semifinals and the faculty team in the finals.

“After last year’s Brain Bowl, the sophomore class was pretty determined to pull through, as we not only donated lots of money as a class, but e put in some prep time as well,” sophomore Brain Bowl team member Cora Aitkenhead said. “We knew it would be a challenge to beat the upperclassmen and staff – both to the buzzer and the answers – but once our team was up on the stage and able to work cohesively we quickly reached our year-long goal.”

Sophomore Brain Bowl team member Emma Ciccarelli said her team gained confidence as the quiz rounds went on.

“When the first round started, we were up by a few points but not many,” Ciccarelli said. “The junior class seemed to be our biggest challengers and the competition was really neck and neck at times. But once we were in the second round and took a big lead, we knew we would be able to pull it off in the third round to take home the title.”

Sophomore competitor Janelle Dimaya explained her excitement about returning to the stage. 

“I participated in the Brain Bowl last year as a freshman, and our team almost beat the seniors, so I was really excited to get on the stage again and give the audience someone to root for,” Dimaya said. 

Spectators sat at the edge of their seats, waiting for competitors to answer these carefully crafted questions. Advisor Ms. Goldbeck said the NHS carefully crafted the questions, including the final round question about this year’s competition theme – the hit show “Stranger Things.” 

“There are 5 categories of questions: Science and Math, Sports and Leisure, Pop Culture, Arts & Literature, and History and Geography,” Goldbeck said. “The last question is always based on the theme for the year.”

One of the questions that helped the sophomores secure the win was a tricky one about sports played on the moon. 

“My teammates were really solid, so I was glad I got to contribute when they asked, ‘What is the only sport to be played on the moon?’” Dimaya said. “Everyone else was debating basketball, bowling, tennis… and then I just said golf.”  

Dimaya also mentioned an important lesson she learned from her years as a student competitor in the Brain Bowl. 

“It helped teach me composure under stress and cooperation,” Dimaya said. “You can’t do everything in life on your own. You have to work with others to make it happen.” 

Goldbeck said this year’s Brain Bowl was a resounding success and helped raise money for a great cause.

“Every Brain Bowl is different as it takes on the persona of the NHS officers who drive its success,” Goldbeck said.