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Starr’s Mill High Deaf and Hard of Hearing Academic Team Headed to Nationals; Student Named Most Outstanding Player


For the eighth time in the past 12 years, deaf and hard of hearing teacher Cindy Hartpence has coached a team to the National Academic Bowl for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing High School Students that is sponsored each year by Gallaudet University.Starr’s Mill High Deaf and Hard of Hearing Academic Team Headed to Nationals; Student Named Most Outstanding Player

This year’s team placed in the top four at the South Regional Academic Bowl at the North Carolina School for the Deaf. They finished with an impressive nine wins and one loss record, which qualified them for the national tournament that will take place at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. April 1-4. The team will compete against the top four teams from each of the four U.S. regions.

The Starr’s Mill High team members are Liam O’Connell, Anna Martin, Ayla Hooper, and Ira Colendrino. Cindy Hartpence and Samandra Muniz coach the team.

At each region competition there are 20 teams, and the one student who exemplifies academic excellence throughout the competition is awarded the honor of Most Outstanding Player. This year the honor went to senior Liam O’Connell.

The Academic Bowl for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was established to foster a pursuit of academic excellence, promote a spirit of academic competition and sportsmanship, and provide social opportunities for the development of collegiality and lifelong friendships.