Dec. 5, 2022

Boyce & Fort Couch teams finish first at History Bowl

Two teams of Upper St. Clair middle school students placed first in the annual regional History Bowl. The event was held on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, at the Senator John Heinz History Center.

A team of Fort Couch eighth graders – including Ryan DeStefano, Ryland Katukota, Myles Owens and Jonah Zahalsky – finished first in the Middle School Division (grades 6-8). In the Elementary Division (grades 4-5), a team of Boyce fifth graders – Tyler Marsh, Kenzie Petrick, Sarah Staub and Noah Zeringue – took top honors.

Serving as mentors for the event were Tom Yochum and Sherri Garvey, gifted/enrichment resource teachers at Fort Couch and Boyce middle school, respectively.

“Each team fared well in the spirited competition,” Mr. Yochum said. “The other two teams from Fort Couch finished fourth and fifth, respectively. All our teams were fantastic participants and competitors and our winners, in particular, used quick decision-making and excellent teamwork to bring home the title.”

Sponsored by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, the one-day event challenges students to find answers to questions, think and write creatively, and practice problem solving abilities as they explore the history center’s exhibits.

“History Bowl is a unique competition that combines teamwork, historical knowledge, and writing skills,” Mr. Yochum said. “The local flavor incorporated within the topics and museum's exhibits, many of which the students must use for answers, adds an exciting element for our students.”