Modoc High Academic Decathlon Team Advances to California State Competition

Modoc High School team qualifies for state event after strong district performance.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:04pm

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A vibrant, abstract silkscreen illustration featuring a repeating pattern of colorful textbooks, conceptually representing the academic achievements of the Modoc High School Decathlon team.The Modoc High Academic Decathlon team's qualification for the state competition highlights the school's commitment to academic excellence and student development.Santa Clara Today

The Modoc High School Academic Decathlon team has qualified for the California State Academic Decathlon competition after scoring 32,375 points in the district event. The team will compete against other top schools from across the state in Santa Clara from March 19-22, 2026.

Why it matters

The Academic Decathlon is a prestigious national competition that allows high school students to showcase their academic talents and develop important teamwork and communication skills. Modoc High's qualification for the state event is a significant achievement that highlights the school's academic excellence and the hard work of its students.

The details

The Modoc High team scored 32,375 points in the district competition, meeting the requirement to advance to the state event. The team is composed of nine students: Jayden Main, Miles Murray, Kaitlin Nield, Ella Morris, Sierra Reeves, Nathaniel Schulz, Briauna Dearing, Seth Motheral, and Stephanie Reeves. At the state competition, the team will compete in seven multiple-choice exams, two performance events (speech and interview), an essay, and the Super Quiz, a fast-paced team event.

  • The Modoc High team qualified for the state competition on March 30, 2026.
  • The California State Academic Decathlon will take place from March 19-22, 2026.

The players

Modoc High School

A high school located in Modoc County, California that has qualified its Academic Decathlon team for the state competition.

Kaitlin Nield

A member of the Modoc High School Academic Decathlon team who led the team with 6,589.7 points and earned a Division IV honors gold medal in literature and a bronze medal in social science.

Ella Morris

A member of the Modoc High School Academic Decathlon team who earned a Division IV scholastic silver medal in interview.

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What they’re saying

“The Academic Decathlon is a great opportunity for our students to showcase their academic talents and develop important skills like teamwork and communication.”

— Jayden Main, Modoc High School Student

What’s next

The Modoc High School Academic Decathlon team will compete in the California State Academic Decathlon competition in Santa Clara from March 19-22, 2026. The team that wins the state event will advance to the national finals.

The takeaway

Modoc High School's qualification for the California State Academic Decathlon competition is a testament to the academic excellence and hard work of its students. The decathlon provides an important platform for high school students to develop critical skills and represent their school on a statewide stage.