1st Academic WorldQuest program is coming to Sonoma County high schools

When did the UN Security Council create the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia? What is the name of the U.S. government’s roadmap to reduce global poverty?

These are just two questions that could come up when the question-and-answer competition Academic WorldQuest launches in spring 2023 for its first time at several Sonoma County high schools.

The competition is held each year across the country, with nearly 5,000 students competing to answer questions related to current world affairs, according to a news release. The program gives students an opportunity to continue their education about global topics, said Michele Chaboudy, president of the World Affairs Council of Sonoma County board, responsible for bringing the competition to local schools.

“It really prepares (students) to understand what’s happening out in the world,” she said.

The competition puts each high school team through 10 rounds of 10 questions about international affairs on such topics as national security, global health and food insecurities. Students get 45 seconds to answer. The team with the most correct answers win and goes on to compete in the national competition in Washington, D.C., in April 2023.

Three schools are signed up to participate: Petaluma High School, Roseland Collegiate Prep and Analy High School, Chaboudy said.

Jennifer Moreno, the teacher adviser for the team at Petaluma High School, said the school learned about the program through one of its organization members, Paul Peterson.

“It sounded really interesting and a great opportunity for students,” Moreno said.

Georgiana Morris, a senior at Petaluma High School, leads her school’s team.Peterson was a friend of Morris’ family, and after hearing more about WorldQuest, Morris was interested in participating.

“I’m excited to learn about the different categories and also the other people in the club too,” Morris said. “I’m excited to learn with them and hopefully use that knowledge to win some tournaments.”

Additional high schools that want to sign up can contact board member Chris Nelle before Nov. 30 at nelleval@hotmail.com or 916-205-1717.

Sara Edwards is the business reporter for The Press Democrat. You can reach her at 707-521-5487 or sara.edwards@pressdemocrat.com. Follow her on Twitter @sedwards380.