Two NISD AcDec Teams Headed to Nationals – and Making History Along the Way

Two Northside ISD Academic Decathlon teams have achieved historic victories at the state level, securing their spots in the upcoming national competition. In addition, Health Careers High School teacher Diana Johnston was named the Small School State Coach of the Year.

Large School Competition – Thomas E. Moseley State Finals at UTSA

For the first time in school history, Warren High School clinched FIRST PLACE at the State Finals and is now advancing to the national competition. This marks a monumental moment for San Antonio, as it is the first time in 31 years that a local team has won the large school division. The team also earned over $19,000 in scholarships.

Last year, Warren placed second and competed at the national level, but this year, they exceeded expectations.

“This team has overcome a lot and achieved so much,” said Head Academic Decathlon Coach Joseph Bayona. “I am so proud of these young men and women. They will represent Northside ISD and the state with pride at Nationals.”

“Everyone knew we weren’t expected to win,” Bayona added, “but I knew they were wrong. Your life is in your hands!”

Warren High School Team Roster:
Trent Arce, Alexandria Caldwell, Connor Knowlton, Gene Longoria, Fiona Martinez, Abdiel Ortega, Michael Padilla, Owen Rodriguez, and Elias Rodriguez. Coaches: Joseph Bayona and Angel Santa Cruz.

Small School Competition – Collin College in Frisco

For the fifth consecutive year, the Health Careers High School Academic Decathlon team is headed to the National Academic Decathlon competition—a record-breaking achievement that no other school, large or small, has accomplished.

The team traveled to Frisco, Texas, where they captured the State Championship Title for the Small School Division and earned over $20,000 in scholarships. Now, they are set on the Nationals in May in Des Moines, Iowa.

“This year's group of students is one of the hardest-working teams I have had the pleasure of coaching,” said Head Coach Diana Johnston. “They support each other, love learning, and are forming lifelong friendships and memories. I am so proud to be their coach and grateful for this journey together.”

Health Careers High School Team Roster:
Yuvan Buchaiahgari, Vivek Gowdhaman, Maryam Adeparusi, Jack Cantelli, Paige Dewlen, Suhani Pant, Alekzander Almaraz, Carissa Calica, and Chukwuma Echeozo.
Alternates: Aashvi Patel and Christian Bosnic; Coaches: Diana Johnston and Anthony Bosnic

Outstanding Individual State Winners:

Warren High School:

• Trent Arce – Gold: Art, Economics, Essay, Literature, Mathematics, Music, Social Science; Silver: Science, Speech; Earned $2,500 in scholarships.
  • Highest-scoring Varsity student in Texas for the second year in a row, earning an additional $2,500 scholarship.
• Michael Padilla – Silver: Mathematics; Finished 13th overall Scholastic in Texas.
• Gene Longoria – Silver: Music; Bronze: Science; 9th overall Varsity in Texas.
• Alexandria Caldwell – Gold: Art; Silver: Literature, Science; 10th overall Honors in Texas.
• Fiona Martinez – Bronze: Art, Math, Science; Silver: Speech; 4th overall Honors in Texas, earning a $1,000 scholarship.
• Elias Rodriguez – Gold: Art, Math; Silver: Literature, Music, Science; Bronze: Speech; 2nd overall Scholastic in Texas, earning a $2,000 scholarship.

Health Careers High School:

• Jack Cantelli – Gold: Math, Music, Science, Essay, Speech; Silver: Literature, Art; Scholastic Category - 1st place - $2,500 Scholarship
• Yuvan Buchaiahgari – Gold: Music, Social Science; Silver: Science; Bronze: Art; Honors Category - 3rd place - $1,500 Scholarship
• Paige Dewlen – Gold: Economics, Literature; Silver: Science; Bronze: Art; Scholastic Category - 4th Place - $1,000 Scholarship
• Vivek Gowdhaman – Silver: music; Bronze: Math, Literature; Honors Category - 5th Place - $500 Scholarship
• Maryam Adeparusi – Silver: Art; Bronze: Music
• Carissa Calica – Gold: Art, Music; Silver: Literature

Each member of the 1st place team received a $1,500 Scholarship as well.

O'Connor High School:

In addition, Jason Chapman from O'Connor High School was the Texas Academic Decathlon Overall Individual Winner (Honors Category, Large School Division.) He scored 9,489.6 points out of a possible 10,000, earning perfect scores in Essay writing and Music, and winning in Economics, Literature, Science, and Social Studies.

Coach of the Year:

Diana Johnston (Health Careers High School) – Recognized as the Small School State Coach of the Year for her outstanding leadership and dedication to student success.

With two NISD teams making history and heading to Nationals, the district celebrates their hard work, resilience, and record-breaking achievements. Best of luck at Nationals!