Consolidated High School District 230 students recently showcased their academic talents and competed against students from about one dozen high schools in the Regional ACES competition. 

The Academic Challenge in Engineering and Science, or ACES, is a test-based competition in which students select two subjects—biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, English, mathematics, or physics—and demonstrate their knowledge through rigorous written exams. Schools competed at the regional levels, with medals awarded to top individual and team performers. 

According to Sandburg’s ACES sponsor Jennifer Pierce said, “The purpose of the competition is to promote academic excellence, particularly in STEM and English disciplines, and to encourage increased student interest in science, engineering, and related academic fields.” 

The Regional Competition included Naperville, Hinsdale, Plainfield, Andrew, Stagg, Sandburg, Universal School, Chicago, Christian, Seneca, Timothy Christian, and Islamic Foundation.  

The tests used in the Academic Challenge are, as the name suggests, challenging. They are written by college and university faculty and include material found in typical high school senior and college freshmen classes. All the tests are multiple choice, and students have 40 minutes to take each one, but they vary in length and subject matter. 

Andrew T-Bolts:

The VJA Varsity team finished in 3rd place out of six, and the JV team finished in 2nd Place out of four. 

Claire Carney-senior- 1st place JV Chemistry

George Kavroulakis-junior- 1st place JV Physics

Zachary Orbon-junior- 2nd place JV Physics

James Abraham-senior- 1st place Varsity Chemistry

Gabriel Paderon-sophomore- 2nd place Varsity Engineering Graphics

Sandburg Eagles:

Julia Humilier- junior- 1st place Varsity Physics 

Adrian Kopec-junior- 2nd Varsity Chemistry

Chloe McLaughlin-senior- 3rd Place Varsity Biology

Nico Vazzana-senior- 2nd place JV Physics 

Lina Sabbahi-junior- 3rd place JV Biology

Stagg Chargers:

Jose Romero-freshman- 3rd place JV Biology 

Juleen Fleitas-freshman- 2nd place JV Physics