While there was a upset at the regional level of the state Academic Decathlon competition this year, Menomonee Falls remained close behind.

In Academic Decathlon, each high school enters a team of nine students: three "A" or honor students,  three "B" or scholastic students, and three "C" or varsity students. All members take written exams in art, economics, language and literature, math, music and social science. Regional competition includes all members writing an essay and giving  a prepared speech, impromptu speech and interview.

The theme in this year’s competition was "The Age of Empire," which focused on European imperialism, with specific attention on the height of British imperialism at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.

New Berlin Eisenhower won the top spot overall at the regional competitions held Jan.13 while eight time state winner  Waukesha West  finished second. Menomonee Falls finished third at the regional competition and had the fourth highest score of all teams statewide in the regional competition. In addition, Jake Kramer earned a first place award in speech and third place awards in language/literature and the essay portions of the test.

Members of the Menomonee Falls team are Kramer, Jake Bahnemann, Nick Brachmann, Andy Stoiber, Ashley Graybill, Hannah Mast, Alex Hrovat, Casey Hanrahan, Michael VanAlstyne, Julianna Sparks, and Ian Salentine

Co-Coach Elizabeth Sparks said this year’s team was a mix of returning and new students. While all nine members of the team participated in the classwork for Academic Decathlon, three of the members were in the competition for the first time.

The state competition will be held March 15-16.

—By Thomas J. McKillen, Managing Editor