Mayo High School’s Global Affairs team made an impressive showing at the National Academic WorldQuest competition, securing a tie for fifth place out of over 40 teams from across the United States. The team’s performance in Washington, D.C. finished an exciting journey that began with a first-place victory at the state competition.

The team, composed of seniors Emma Lange, Adelyn Crum, Evita Hansen, and Hannah Tupper, worked tirelessly in preparation for the national event. Emma Lange recalled the experience, saying, “We prepared a lot. I made voice memos for my articles, I made hundreds of flashcards, and read each of my articles multiple times.” Their hard work paid off, as they displayed a deep understanding of topics from critical minerals in Africa to NATO’s future and the role of foreign languages in the U.S.

In front of the Embassy of United Arab Emirates in Washington D.C, (l-r) Hannah Tupper, Evita Hansen, Emma Lange, and Adelyn Crum explore the area during their trip for the World Affairs Councils of America program. 

One of the most memorable moments for Adelyn Crum was when she and her teammate Emma Lange answered all ten questions correctly in one of the rounds. “It was a great feeling…like all of my work paid off,” Crum said. This moment highlighted the knowledge and dedication that the team had put into their preparation. In addition to the team’s knowledge, their ability to think on the spot and then respond quickly to questions was key to their success.

After a full day of diplomacy and dialogue, Evita Hansen and Adelyn Crum (left) reflect on the day’s events, while, Hannah Tupper and Emma Lange (right) unwind, soaking it all in, embracing a well-earned pause after a busy and impactful first day.

Even with the intense preparation, the competition came with challenges. The fast-paced nature of the event, where teams only had 45 seconds to answer each question, tested their ability to think quickly and stay composed under pressure. Lange noted, “I would say the most difficult part was the time constraint. We had 45 seconds per question.” Despite being rushed, their teamwork and confidence in each other helped them perform their best. “We had confidence in each other, which was so important to our success,” Emma reflected.

The group of intellectuals prepares for a pivotal day ahead, each one focused intently on their screens, studying scripts and refining anything last minute. With quiet determination, they immerse themselves in preparation, ready to make their voices heard.

Throughout the competition, the team was inspired by the intelligence and skill of the other competitors. “Everyone from the other teams was so intelligent and well spoken. It was really an honor to meet such smart people,” Lange reflected. Meeting students from across the country made her feel hopeful for the future. “It made me feel like our future is in good hands.” 

Representing Mayo High School on a national level was an honor for the team. “It felt good to represent our school at Nationals. I really hope that Mayo students can go next year,” Hannah Tupper said. Going into the competition, the team’s goal was to place in the top ten, and they exceeded that goal by finishing in a tie for fifth place.