INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS
Alhambra High School students and their coach pose with their trophy and check award (Photo – AUSD)
At Alhambra High, a group of students isn’t just studying for a test—they’re gearing up for the California Academic Decathlon, the state’s most grueling intellectual showdown. Their goal? A first-place finish, a ticket to nationals, and the bragging rights that come with dethroning California’s academic elite.
By Nicolas Perez
What sets these students apart from the fierce competition is their rigorous, multidisciplinary approach. Each year, teams study seven different subjects under a central theme. This year’s theme, “A Changing Climate,” challenges students to master art, science, music, social science, economics, math, and literature— all within a competitive framework where every point counts. On top of that, students must excel in speech and interview events, presenting both a prepared and an impromptu speech, while also undergoing a meticulous interview judged by professionals.
Alhambra’s decathletes are already proving they belong among the best. At regionals, they posted L.A. County’s highest score: 47,430 points. Individually, Kevin San led the charge with 9,480 points, followed closely by Kenneth San’s 9,085. Meanwhile, Cesar Gonzalez pulled off the near-impossible: a perfect 1,000 in the speech category. These numbers don’t just look good on paper—they send a message: Alhambra is coming for the state’s top spots.
Reaching nationals, however, will require even more impressive scores. With only the top two teams qualifying, Alhambra needs to raise its score by 4,000–5,000 points to break into the elite ranks. And in California, the most competitive Academic Decathlon state in the country, that’s no small feat. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Of course, numbers don’t win championships—execution does. And the biggest hurdle isn’t intelligence; it’s time. These students aren’t just decathletes—they juggle six other classes, internships, and extracurricular activities like band and orchestra Their coach, Jose Sanchez, describes the team as a tight-knit group that supports each other through the long hours of preparation. A team that pushes together, studies together, and keeps each other sharp is the team that wins.
With a track record of steady improvement—from 10th in the state four years ago to first in L.A. County two years in a row—Alhambra’s team has shown what dedication can achieve. As the state competition draws near, these decathletes are ready to take on California’s best. With their talent, perseverance, and dream of making history, nationals may finally be within their reach. Now, they’re knocking on the door of the national stage. The only question left? Can they open that door?
Celebrating the win (Photo – AUSD)
Coach Jose Sanchez holding the trophy (Photo – AUSD)
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