HHS Challenge Team Prepares For Big Stage

In front of bright lights and television cameras, a group of five Harrison students will put their knowledge to the test against students from throughout the tri-state area.

Harrison's "Challenge Team" is a group of students selected by advisors Rachel Voss and Heath Kaplan to compete in MSG Varsity's annual quiz show that places 192 area high schools in a tournament style competition. Team members answer a series of questions from various categories and compete individually by region. Harrison's first match up against Pearl River will air Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Winning teams advance through regional brackets and could eventually move on to play teams from New York City, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut. Team members can collect individual prizes and money for their schools along the way.

Harrison's students were selected following an open tryout earlier this year. Advisor Heath Kaplan said he made an effort to find students who had strengths in different areas that would be able to work together throughout the competition. 

This year, Rachel Oestreicher, Robert Tiburzi, Emma Adler, Jacob Seidman and Daniel Glass represent Harrison. It's a group made up entirely of seniors, which could be helpful as the team moves on in competition.

"I truly believe my team this year is very, very strong," Kaplan said. 

Each challenge show asks students a variety of questions from four different topics that can include literature, math, science and pop culture. Individual players can buzz in to answer questions to score points. If a player answers incorrectly, the opposing team can field the question.

Students answer the questions in front of a live audience, providing a game show atmosphere.

"You don't often get a chance to do something like that," said Seidman, one of Harrison's challenge competitors. "It's not necessarily a relaxed environment, but it's very fun—it's exciting."

"It's legit," added Adler, the team's captain. "They treat you like a little bit of a celebrity."

Harrison's competitors have been preparing by practicing against previous episodes of the show and simulating the show's atmosphere against school faculty and each other. Practices are held about once a week to keep the competitors sharp moving forward.

"It's a chance for different students to excel in different kinds of ways," said Kaplan.

The show airs Sunday through Friday on Cablevision's MSG Varsity at 6:30 p.m. If Harrison's team advances through their first matchup they will return for the next round early next year.