FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WKAR's "QuizBusters" Champions Awarded Scholarships
Two high schools carry the title of Champions
EAST LANSING, MI – December 7, 2011 - WKAR, Michigan State University's public television station, announced the winner of its 2011 "QuizBusters" Championship on Tuesday night. The fast-paced academic game show awarded students from two mid-Michigan high schools scholarships to Michigan State University. Jackson Christian High School, representing the Green Division, won the overall Grand Championship title, while Lansing Everett High School, representing the White Division, were division Champions. Each team had four participants and alternates. MSU awards up to eight $5,000 scholarships between the two teams.
"QuizBusters," hosted by Matt Ottinger, is completing its 23rd season on WKAR-TV. The competition begins each fall with 64 teams from throughout mid-Michigan competing for the tuition scholarships provided by the Michigan State University Office of Admissions and Scholarships. These scholarships are given to champion teams in each division. High schools were divided into two divisions; Green and White, with teams represent large and small schools, respectively. In addition, the Michigan State University Student Book Store provides the grand champions, Jackson Christian, five one-year textbook scholarships.
"We are thrilled to see the caliber of incredibly talented students that competes in the competition," said Susi Elkins, Content and Community Engagement Manager for WKAR. "Jackson Christian and Lansing Everett were especially competitive defeating high schools throughout mid-Michigan." The championship episodes will premiere next week on WKAR.org and be aired on WKAR-TV in May 2012.
Members of the Jackson Christian grand championship team (White division) included Stefan Bell, Zack Schneider, Chris Seto and Kennedy Wilson. Joanne Knowlton is the team advisor and alternates are Matt Dubensky and Katie Knowlton. This is the first "QuizBusters" Championship for the Jackson Christian Royals.
Members of the Lansing Everett Championship team (Green division) were Sharaya Lundy, Mohamed Abukar, Douglas Hissong, Jr., and Tyler Gilson. Benton Billings is the Vikings' team advisor and Emilio Pido is the team alternate.
The teams competed earlier in the evening for division championships. In the Green division, Everett defeated Okemos in a tight match by a score of 360 to 310. Members of the Okemos Chieftains team were Billy Liu, Emily Brereton, Cody He and Mayank Patke. Whitney Sholler was the team advisor and alternates were Kevin Hutsell and Abhijt Das. Okemos was last year's grand championship winner.
In the White division, Jackson Christian defeated Kent City by a score of 360 to 290. Members of the Kent City Eagles were Eric Wagenheim, Arie Waller, Matt Wagenheim and Justin Jasman. Marie Davis was the team advisor.
WKAR will post all three programs in the 2011 Championship Series online at WKAR.org within the next week. Programs of all "QuizBusters" events are available for purchase at WKAR.org. Production of "QuizBusters" is underwritten in part by Consumers Energy and the Michigan Education Association. To play along with "QuizBusters" questions online, follow WKAR's "QuizBusters" Facebook page.
WKAR is part of Michigan State University's College of Communication Arts & Sciences and includes WKAR-TV, WKAR Radio, WKAR.org, WKAR Ready To Learn, WKAR Radio Reading Service and Instructional Video Services. WKAR is supported, in part, through charitable contributions from its viewers and listeners.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: Team and "behind-the-scenes" photos are available at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wkar/sets/72157628324635961/
CONTACT:
Jeanie Croope
(517) 432-3120, Ext. 424
jeanie@wkar.org