Monterey High School Students Take First Place in Academic World Quest Competition

This news release is from the Monterey County Office of Education.

News Advisory - For Immediate Release

Contact: Teri Pimentel, 831.784.4245, [email protected]                                                                                                                                                                     

Monterey High School Students Take First Place in Academic World Quest Competition

SALINAS, CA – The Monterey County Office of Education in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Monterey Bay Area (WACMB) hosted the regional Academic World Quest Competition on Saturday, February 22, 2025, bringing together Monterey County high school teams for an exciting test of global knowledge and critical thinking.

Academic World Quest (AWQ) is a rigorous team challenge that assesses students’ understanding of international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. Competing in teams of four, students answered questions spanning six critical global topics, showcasing their depth of knowledge and collaborative skills.

Congratulations to Monterey High School for taking first place in our regional Academic World Quest competition. The four team members, Zahra Sellami, Vrishabh Gupta, Eunyul Kim, and Khushi Shah, along with their coach, Nicholaus Bourgeois, will travel to Washington, D.C. in April to participate in the national Academic World Quest competition.  Thanks to funds raised by WACMB, travel expenses will be covered, ensuring these students have the opportunity to compete on the national stage.

Coach Bourgeois said of the regional competition, “The entire experience has been rewarding and a wonderful learning opportunity for our students.” Zahra Sellami, Monterey High School team leader reflected, "AWQ was an incredibly rewarding experience that exposed us to eclectic topics surrounding our world today. Our dedication, collaboration, and lighthearted attitude made this event truly delightful. As we advance to the national level, we are determined to excel and represent Monterey County with pride."

Monterey County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Deneen Guss, praised the students’ achievement, saying, “We are incredibly proud of these students for their dedication to global learning and their outstanding performance in the Academic World Quest competition. This experience will not only deepen their understanding of international affairs but also inspire them to become the future leaders and problem solvers that our world needs.”

The World Affairs Council of Monterey Bay Area is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting public education, fostering dialogue, and raising awareness of international issues through study and discussion.

For more information, visit: https://www.worldaffairscouncils.org/WorldQuest/