College of Education Department Cosponsors Academic WorldQuest

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Jennifer Parks, (808) 956-0416
UHM College of Education
Posted: Dec 19, 2008


The Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) held its ninth annual Chevron Academic WorldQuest competition on November 8 at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom. Academic WorldQuest tests students‘ knowledge of international affairs.

Said Hunter McEwan, the UHM College of Education‘s Department of Educational Foundations Chair who helps secure the venue and serves as a judge, "This is the second year that we have sponsored the event. It is a pleasure to participate in an occasion that draws such enthusiastic participation from students from schools around the state—both public and private—and encourages them to gain understanding of international affairs."

The competition challenges students with six rounds of intense questions about current events, population in developing countries, water, alternative fuels, biotechnology and genetics, and transnational crime. Notes Natasha Chappel, College of Education alumnus and a PAAC Director, "It is rewarding to see so many students who are inspired to learn about international affairs as a result of their participation in WorldQuest. In today‘s interconnected world, global competency is critical for success in any field, and PAAC is proud to play a role in developing these skills in Hawaiʻi‘s students."

Campbell High School took top honors at the competition, earning its members a trip to Washington, D.C., in April 2009 to represent Hawaiʻi in national competition. Campbell was the victor among 66 teams from 24 schools. Teams from Mid-Pacific Institute took second- and third-place honors, while Radford High claimed fourth and Punahou finished fifth.

Maui, Lanai, and Molokai participants flew to Oahu for the event, and Kauai and Big Island students participated via teleconference. The top five teams were from Oahu.