A night of facts, philanthropy and fun was had at this year’s Knowledge Bowl on March 5. Students, parents, educators and many other members of the community gathered in San Juan Community Theater to watch their peers compete for the trophy. Seven teams went head-to-head, representing Friday Harbor 8th graders, combined teams of 9th and 10th, and 11th and 12th graders from Friday Harbor High school, and teams from the Soroptimists, Lions, Kiwanis and the Rotary Club. EMCeed by Town Council member Mason Turnage, the teams competed in three rounds, answering a total of 31 questions ranging in topics from geography and science to history and pop culture, including some region-specific questions like, what is Washington’s state gemstone? The answer: petrified wood. Although no teams correctly guessed the answer, all teams did identify the only species of oak tree that is native to the Pacific Northwest: the Garry Oak.
Round one ended with 20 questions, and after a brief intermission of bake sale goods and raffle prize drawings, the scores were were tallied and announced at the beginning of round two, with Lions in the lead with 17 points, followed by the Rotary Club with 15 points and the Soroptomists and 9th and 10th graders tied with 13 points. After another ten questions, the 9th and 10th graders made an amazing comeback, tying for first place with the Lions with 29 points. For the final round, teams could wager all of their points when answering the single question, which required teams to correctly answer both parts: what river runs through the Grand Canyon and what body of water does it eventually empty into? Both the Lions and the 9th and 10th graders answered correctly – the Colorado river, which empties into the Gulf of California – but the Lions only wagered 28 points while the high school team wagered all 29, beating the Lions by one point. The student team was awarded the trophy, title, and an impressive chocolate cake. But even sweeter news was revealed: the San Juan Public Schools Foundation, which was the recipient of the nights’ admissions, surpassed their $5,000 fundraising goal by $2,000. Thanks to many local organizations, businesses, sponsors, attendees and the participants, an entertaining and educational evening was had by all, and in turn will continue to support a great cause.
Staff photo/ Isabel Ashley The 9th and 10th grade team celebrate after getting the final question correct, winning the Knowledge Bowl
Staff photo/ Isabel Ashley The 8th graders, 9th and 10th graders, and the Soroptomists brain storm the answer to a question asked by MC Mason Turnage
Staff photo/ Isabel Ashley The 11th and 12th grade team after correctly answering “Garry Oaks” to the question, what is the only oak tree native to the Pacific Northwest?
Staff photo/ Isabel Ashley The Lions discuss their answer to the final question, earning the runner-up title behind the 9th and 10th grade team.
