Archbishop Murphy moves on to national Hi-Q contest

EVERETT — It was more than an academic event.

The auditorium at Henry M. Jackson High School was filled with students and guests cheering for the three high schools team in the regional Hi-Q championship. The crowd was loudest when members of Jackson High’s team answered questions correctly, but kids still cheered for Jackson’s two rivals — Arlington and Archbishop Murphy high schools.

Hi-Q teams answer questions in 14 different categories such as world history, chemistry, Shakespeare and current events. Each team has 15 seconds and four chances to answer a question correctly.

Some of the questions:

•In Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale,” give the name of the rogue character that Camillo asks to exchange clothing with Florizel, so Florizel would have an effective disguise. Answer: Autolycus

•State the name given to the mineral composed of zinc sulfide in a hexagonal crystal structure. Answer: wurtzite

•In 1901, under the leadership of a progressive governor, the Wisconsin Legislature called for an end to caucus and convention nominations for candidates. Give the last name of this Wisconsin governor. Answer: La Follette.

After an hour of questions, Archbishop Murphy High School won the championship, scoring 39 points. Henry M. Jackson earned second place with 38 followed by Arlington with 25. Now Archbishop Murphy moves on to a national teleconference competition on Monday.

“We are not worried. Whatever happens, we will have fun,” Archbishop Murphy junior Devin D’Angelo said.

This was the first time the team won a Hi-Q competition in the 36 years it has been held. Last year, they earned second place. Archbishop Murphy only has one senior on its roster.

“This is a special treat for all the new kids,” adviser Gail Wellenstein said.

Wellenstein had two students specialize in each category. That way, they could quiz each other during practices. They also interacted through Facebook, she said.

They will keep practicing to get ready for the national competition, which will be held via teleconference at Everett Community College, one of the main sponsors of the Hi-Q competition.

People can watch by attending the competition at 9 a.m. Monday Graywolf Hall, at 2000 Tower St., Everett. The match can also be seen online at www.everettcc.edu/enrollment/hiq afterward.

The championship marks the end of four months of competition where 13 teams of Snohomish and Island counties participated.

At nationals, Archbishop will compete against teams from Michigan, Alabama and Pennsylvania.

“Pennsylvania looks very well prepared based on their score,” said Amy Hammons, EvCC high school relations and Hi-Q coordinator. “But that not always tells the whole story.”

All schools were told the areas to study, so it’s a matter of luck which questions will be asked, Hammons said.

“The more you study, the luckier you get,” Hammons said.

Alejandro Dominguez:425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.

The competitors

The students who participated in the regional Hi-Q championship were:

Archbishop Murphy High School — Devin D’Angelo; Alex Leat; Emi Phillips; Michael McIntosh; Paul McGoorty; Max Vilgalys; Annie Dang; Maggie Nolan. Adviser: Gail Wellenstein

Henry M. Jackson High School — Yitaek Hwang; Hannah Yoo; Gina Kim; Jessica Zhuge; Monica Black; Peter Haugen; Sai Nimmagadda; Eunice Chu; Matthew Spaw; Nathan Vallejos; Chris Steckler; Justin Cho. Adviser: Craig Bowen.

Arlington High School — Robert Kephart; Kyle Kilmer; Janey Foxe; Madeleine Fries; Frederick Stabell; Hannah Mendro; Spencer Lajoie; James Piscioneri. Advisers: Ben Mendro and Jane Joselow.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Rick Steves launches $1M match challenge for Lynnwood Neighborhood Center

The $64.5 million Lynnwood Neighborhood Center will house several community spaces and partner with local nonprofits.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Council denies latest Eastview Village appeal

Council members affirmed previous approvals of the development planned off Cathcart Way near Highway 9.

Everett
Everett police: Man sold drugs to woman prior to fatal overdose

The man, who faces a charge under the state’s controlled substance homicide law, remains in Snohomish County Jail on more than $1M bond.

Missing Marysville boy, 10, found safe and sound

Police said the boy was last seen Sunday morning before leaving to go for a run at a nearby middle school.

Red tape hangs in the front of the entrance to a burned down Center for Human Services building along 204th Street on Monday, July 7, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood fire destroys behavioral health nonprofit building

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The building housed an intensive mental health support program for youth and families.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.