about
Back in 06, Daniel Berdichevsky, the OG who once led the U.S. Academic Decathlon, decided scholars worldwide deserved a place to flex their skills and level up together. The competition has six subjects: science, history, literature, art & music, social studies, and a special theme that switches up every year to keep things fresh. Everybody knows Jerry, the alpaca mascot holding it down. But the real ones never forget Painted Warrior, the legendary alpaca who only came through at the Tournament of Champions. Every time he showed up, the whole scene lit up like it was history in the making.
Through the WSC, squads hit up four main events: Team Debate, Collaborative Writing, Scholar’s Challenge, and the Scholar’s Bowl. Each one tests teamwork, thinking, and problem solving. Crush it here, and you’re off to Global Rounds in big cities worldwide. Go even harder there, and the top squads get the ultimate flex: an invite to the Tournament of Champions at Yale. But WSC ain’t just about stacking points. It’s about linking with scholars from everywhere, enjoying what you love to learn, and building connections that last way past the competition.
Started From the Bottom
April 29, 2023 was my first WSC comp as a high school freshman. Back in the day, I was the kid chilling with straight Cs, not stressing grades or school. But middle school flipped the script: I hit up my school’s spelling bee and snatched 1st place. That win hit different, it showed me I could boss up at anything I put my mind to. That energy pulled me into WSC.
Joining WSC changed the game. It pushed me to work harder, stay disciplined, and dive deep into learning for hours on end. I’m still lowkey quiet, but WSC gave me the confidence to speak up in debates and collab with teammates, many of whom are now my ride or dies.
WSC didn’t just level me up, it sparked an idea: a study resource website. I used to feel lost with all the material, wishing there was a plug for organized notes and guides. So I built one, something to help scholars like me find their footing, get their wins, and realize their potential. Just like I did, now they can flex their skills without the stress.
Alicia Nguyen
Founder + Web Designer
