PCIA’s 2025 Knowledge Bowl: From left to right are science teacher Ryan Van Duzor and students Matthew Morrill, Blake Vansickle, and Elijah Stradley. Not pictured: Jordan Wickersham.
PCIA’s 2025 Knowledge Bowl: From left to right are science teacher Ryan Van Duzor and students Matthew Morrill, Blake Vansickle, and Elijah Stradley. Not pictured: Jordan Wickersham.
COOK — Pacific Crest Innovative Academy (PCIA), part of the Mill A School District, placed third in the 1B division at the 2025 Washington State Knowledge Bowl on March 22 in Wenatchee.
“PCIA competed against the top qualifying schools across the state, advancing through a written round and five oral question rounds to secure a spot in the final round of the top three 1B schools,” said Malena Goerl, Educational Service District 112 communications manager, in a press release. “The competition was intense, with only a four-point difference between the first and third-place teams. Notably, PCIA was the only public school in the top three of its division.”
The team, led by PCIA science instructor Ryan Van Duzor, includes students Blake Vansickle, Jordan Wickersham, Matthew Morrill, and Elijah Stradley.
“I have seen them grow, not just in their skills in the competition, but as teammates,” said Van Duzor. “They win and lose as a team and always show amazing sportsmanship. We come from one of the smallest schools in the state — a tiny, rural area — and seeing these kids grow in confidence and represent our school proudly has been a joy.”
Earlier this year, PCIA’s Knowledge Bowl team won first place in their division at the regional meet at Lower Columbia College, earning their spot in the State competition.
“We are incredibly proud of our Knowledge Bowl team,” said Superintendent Kelly Stickel. “This accomplishment reflects not only their intelligence but also their commitment to teamwork and perseverance. Their success highlights the excellence we strive for at PCIA.”
•••
For more information about Pacific Crest Innovative Academy, visit www.pcia.org.
Commented