Academic Decathlon is a class made up of invited juniors and seniors that are given the opportunity to learn about subjective topics and objective subjects. The objective topics consist of speech, interview,essay and math while the subjective ones are music, science, art, literature, social science, and economics. 

Throughout the year, Mr. Reeves, Mr. Reynolds, and Dr. Castle ease their students into each subject, preparing them with tests and speeches. The students then go on to compete with their knowledge. In the past year, they made first place in regionals. 

When Mr.Reeves was asked about future goals for his students he replied with “Just to score as high as possible,” and to “Place first at state”.

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IB is a program centered around individual student growth and connections with material across disciplines. The classes offered allow for students to work towards college along with earning credits. 

In IB English and Literature, the students learn how to analyze and understand meaning from both literary and non-literary texts. The students learn thinking skills that work towards self improvement.

“Something that I’m really proud of about the class as a whole is that, really seeing as Individual people connect with individual concepts and what’s important to them.” Is what Mr. Cummings, a teacher who teaches IB, says about the program. 

Some things that may be assigned in these classes may be projects centered around global issues or student presentations speaking on something important to themselves. A very big goal for the program would be to see many more students in the classes

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DECA is a co-curricular student organization for students interested in business, marketing, or finance. The class prepares the students for things they may face in the future or what they might expect in a future career. It teaches valuable skills such as communication, marketing strategies, business plans, public speaking, and much more. 

Those in DECA not only learn important life skills, but also compete. They prepare for competitions that go from district all the way to state. They may participate in written exams, presentations, or role-playing events. Here, they showcase what they learn and what skills they’ve acquired in the student organization.

While DECA hasn’t been offered to Lubbock High in some time, with their first year back, they’ve already accomplished so much. 11 out of 15 members competed in the district competition, they then qualified for state, which will take place in March.

“The highest recognition is to qualify for and compete in the International Career Development Conference.” Is what Mrs. Baker, the teacher of the organization, says about the accomplishments.