MOORPARK HIGH SCHOOL HONORS ITS AWARD-WINNING DECATHLETES.Byline: Paul O'Donoghue Daily News Staff Writer To deafening cheers from hundreds of classmates Classmates can refer to either:
``We're the best Academic Decathlon team in the state of California,'' crowed social studies teacher Larry Jones Larry Jones is also the real name of Atlanta Braves player Chipper Jones. Walter "Larry" Jones (born September 22, 1942 in Columbus, Ohio) is a retired American basketball player. He played professionally in the NBA and ABA, from 1964 to 1974. , who coached Moorpark's eight-member team to victory last weekend over 49 other schools. In fact, organizers honored the school's A team, which actually won the state title, and its B team, which placed third in the Ventura County competition earlier this year. Moorpark will represent California next month at the national decathlon, being held at California State University, Fullerton California State University, Fullerton, commonly known as CSUF, CSU Fullerton, or Cal State Fullerton, is a part of the California State University system. The University is located in the city of Fullerton, California, in northern Orange County. . On Friday, as music blared from the public-address system pub·lic-ad·dress system n. Abbr. PA An electronic amplification apparatus installed and used for broadcasting in public areas. public-address system Noun , the champion decathletes squeezed their way past throngs of students, teachers and officials filling the bleachers, sitting on the floor and standing around the perimeter. Gigantic banners emblazoned with ``Reach for the Stars'' in green and gold school colors hung from the ceiling. Hundreds of green and gold balloons festooned the gym and formed arches around the center-court area, where officials presented both teams with plaques and certificates of commendation. ``This is the most exciting thing that has happened in my academic career,'' Moorpark High School Moorpark High School, located in Moorpark, California, is a public high school in the Moorpark Unified School District and currently has an enrollment of 2,478 students.[1] Principal Max Friedman said in congratulating the students. ``Both teams from Moorpark High have acted in the manner of champions.'' Decathlon A-team captain Nick Lange led his teammates - Arturo Barragan, Alexandra Dove, John Ellis John Ellis may refer to:
Joining them were the members of the B team: Shaun Berry, Tiffany Chou, Shanna Gibbs, Tara Hernandez, Jennifer Lawrence Jennifer Lawrence (born August 15, 1990, in Louisville, Kentucky) is an American actress and model. She is currently appearing in TBS's comedy The Bill Engvall Show, as Lauren Pearson, Engvall's oldest daughter Lauren. In the past, she has appeared on Cold Case, Medium, and Monk. , James Marlier, C.J. Pomerantz and Jason Sweitzer. To wild applause, Lange said he is a ``varsity'' student, meaning that his grade-point average is below 3.0, which shows the decathlon is not just for the top academic students. ``I know there are lots of students here today with (GPAs) less than 3.0,'' he said to wild applause and laughter from the audience. ``Not that it's good to be below 3.0.'' Nearby was a table stacked with trophies won by the school's decathletes, including the four-foot high honor awarded in Stockon. This year marks Jones' seventh and last year leading the school's decathlon efforts and the often 14-hour days of preparation required of students and coaches. Without a single day off in the past 80, Jones has decided to hand over the reins to his assistant, Michelle Bergman, so he can spend more time with his family. Among officials attending the ceremony were state Sen. Cathie Wright, R-Simi Valley; School District Assistant Superintendent Assistant Superintendent, or Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), was a rank used by police forces in the British Empire. It was usually the lowest rank that could be held by a European officer, most of whom joined the police at this rank. Frank DePasquale; representatives of Rep. Elton Gallegly Elton W. Gallegly (born March 7 1944), an American politician, has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 1987, currently representing the 24th District of California (map). , R-Oxnard; and Assemblyman Tom McClintock, R-Northridge; and Phillip Gore, who coordinates decathlon activities for the county superintendent of education. Wright said the Moorpark team contradicts popular negative stereotypes of today's youths. ``This (effort) stands out,'' she said. ``This takes dedication seven days a week, and I really appreciate it.'' CAPTION(S): 2 Photos PHOTO (1--Color) Moorpark High School academic decathlon coach Larry Jones addresses the throng attending the celebration for the school's teams held Friday in the gymnasium. (2) Moorpark High School's award-winning decathletes are congratulated by school officials during a rally held to honor both the A and B teams Friday in the school gym. Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News |
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