The fundraiser runs through Feb. 11, and the RPSF has committed to matching up to $5,000 of donations from the community at large.

RIDGEFIELD – The Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation (RPSF) has kicked-off a week-long matching fundraiser to help get the Ridgefield High School (RHS) Knowledge Bowl team to the National Quiz Bowl to be held in Atlanta in May. The fundraiser runs through Feb. 11, and the RPSF has committed to matching up to $5,000 of donations from the community at large.

Donations can be made online, via the RPSF website, by visiting bit.ly/RPSFdonate.

Those who have followed the RHS Knowledge Bowl team over the last few years know the team’s success. Ridgefield’s top varsity team won the Washington state 2A title each of the last two years, got third at the national tournament in 2021, and won the national championship for medium large schools in 2022.

According to RHS Knowledge Bowl coach David Jacobson, “Being recognized as the premier team in the state, Ridgefield has been invited to the National Quiz Bowl Tournament in Atlanta this spring.” 

“Quiz Bowl shares many characteristics with Knowledge Bowl but has a few key differences,” Jacobson explained. “This particular tournament, which fields teams from as far away as South Korea, is considered the premier academic competition in the United States. Since [our district] is committed to pursuing premier, we

should give these kids a chance to test their mettle against the most academically gifted students in the country, and from around the world. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these kids that will surely impact them for the rest of their lives and bring honor to our community.”

Knowledge Bowl team member Emiliana believes her involvement in knowledge bowl has helped her grow. 

“I would say I most enjoy the rigorous and challenging atmosphere to the game,” Emiliana said. “It’s a very intellectually stimulating one— which allows us to grow and develop together.”

That’s exactly why the RPSF chose to support the team with this fundraiser after receiving a grant application, submitted by Jacobson. Joe Manning, a RPSF trustee explained. “We seek to fund student opportunities that support whole student development, especially ones that public funds may not be able to fully support,” Manning said. “We want to acknowledge the team’s hard work and their commitment to our Ridgefield community, and, most importantly, we want to continue to support the growth of the students who make up this team.”

To learn more about the Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation or attend an event hosted by the Foundation, please go to www.ridgefieldpsf.org to learn more.

The Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation is a privately funded, non-profit organization, established in 2009. Our mission is to advance programs and activities that support whole student development for which public resources are insufficient or unavailable.  

Information provided by Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation.