Students from the Upward Bound Program at Appalachian State University recently competed in the 2022 NC TRIO Upward Bound Scholars’ Bowl Competition at NCA&T. The teams won 1st and 2nd place, and the top 9 participants from both teams were invited to attend Upward Bound Scholars’ Bowl at the SAEOPP 2022 Regional Academic Competition at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. Students competed from surrounding states including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The team’s final record for the regional competition was 3:4.
"Traveling with Upward Bound to participate in the Regional Scholars’ Bowl Competition in Atlanta was a once in a lifetime experience. The memories and friendships that I made on this trip are priceless. This trip helped me get closer to other people that have similar interests as me. We all came together as one to make sure that everyone had a good time. We all had new experiences on the trip, said Alex Novotny, Upward Bound Scholars’ Bowl competitor.
Upward Bound scholars on the team include Skyla Ervin and Brandon Cabrera from Avery County High School; Raffaell Vazquez-Gutierrez and Riley Hollars from Watauga High School; Chase Miller and Willow Darnell from Ashe County High School; Haylie Brook Ogle from West Wilkes High School; Alex Novotny from Alleghany High School; and Brenda Sebrian from Freedom High School.
“The 2022 UB Scholars’ Bowl trip to Atlanta was an amazing experience that both the staff and students enjoyed. As an RA, being able to see the students interact with other Upward Bound groups from different states in friendly competitions was extremely fun and fulfilling. Most of the people who went had never been to Atlanta, including me, so it was so fun to be able to visit the city alongside a great group of students and staff.” — Yannia Nordelo, Upward Bound Scholars’ Bowl team coach
“I thought it was an amazing experience. I enjoyed seeing the UB students participate and compete with the other TRIO programs. I also enjoyed seeing the students uplift one another and keep a positive attitude throughout the competition. My favorite part of the trip was exploring downtown Atlanta and getting to know the students better.” — Upward Bound Scholars’ Bowl team coach, Raquela Francisco
“I think this competition is really good for the students, because it helps them develop leadership skills as they must delegate answers and roles and also understand when it’s appropriate to take a step back. This friendly competition helped the students bond, allowed them to be genuinely excited about something they want to do, and it left them wanting to do even better next year. Everyone participated and helped the team in a positive way.” — Upward Bound Scholars’ Bowl team coach, Dylan Coleman
This was the first Scholars’ Bowl competition since 2019 due to limitations from COVID-19.
Upward Bound is federally funded and helps high school students develop skills and motivation they need to succeed in high school and gives students necessary tools to enter and be successful in college. To achieve these goals, Upward Bound provides academic support, social and cultural enrichment, and opportunities for personal growth. These services are provided absolutely free of charge. To learn more, visit upward bound.appstate.edu.
Upward Bound students participate in the Upward Bound Scholars’ Bowl at the SAEOPP 2022 Regional Academic Competition at Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Upward Bound students sightseeing in Atlanta after competing in the Upward Bound Scholars’ Bowl at the SAEOPP 2022 Regional Academic Competition
App State Upward Bound teams won first and second place at the 2022 NC TRIO Upward Bound Scholars’ Bowl Competition at NCA&T
App State Upward Bound teams won first and second place at the 2022 NC TRIO Upward Bound Scholars’ Bowl Competition at NCA&T
Upward Bound students participate in the Upward Bound Scholars’ Bowl at the SAEOPP 2022 Regional Academic Competition at Atlanta Metropolitan State College
