Students apply classroom knowledge and teamwork skills at Knowledge Bowl

Knowledge Bowl competitions are in full swing at Jemtegaard Middle School (JMS) in Washougal. Knowledge Bowl is an academic sport; students compete in weekly after-school trivia tournaments against schools across Clark County. After sweeping the board at their first competition of the season on Feb. 16, taking 1st through 3rd places, JMS Knowledge Bowl teams look forward to a successful and fulfilling remainder of the season. 

“We’ve had a very successful season. Our team has finished in the upper half at every meet and we’ve had at least one squad in the top three at almost every meet,” said Scott Rainey, history teacher and Knowledge Bowl coach at Jemtegaard Middle School. On March 16, JMS Team B won 1st place at the Knowledge Bowl competition against Hockinson Middle School.

Students apply classroom knowledge and teamwork skills at Knowledge Bowl. At each competition, teams complete one written round and two oral rounds of trivia. “I’m involved in Knowledge Bowl because I have a lot of information in my head that needs to get out,” said Lauren Byrne, 8th grade student at Jemtegaard Middle School. “I’m learning good sportsmanship and teamwork.”

After school clubs and athletics are funded by the Washougal EP&O Levy on the April 25 ballot. Current funding for these programs expires at the end of this year. Without levies, Washougal School District will be unable to fund all after school programs and athletics. 

“After school clubs make you feel like you’re a part of something,” said Byrne. “It’s a great way to make friends. If you’re going into a club, chances are that the people in there have the same interests.”

Knowledge Bowl is also offered at Canyon Creek Middle School and Washougal High School. At Washougal High School, the Knowledge Bowl season ended on a high note when the team placed 5th in the 2A regional competition, just 3 points shy of qualifying for state, on March 1, 2023. 

“My most rewarding part of doing Knowledge Bowl is working with and getting to know these wonderful young adults.  I had so much fun with them this year, and I’m looking forward to next year as well,” said Dale Croswell, Knowledge Bowl coach at Washougal High School and ESD 112 coordinator for SW WA Knowledge Bowl.

Information provided by Washougal School District.