Bradley hosts International Scholastic Bowl
In mid-November, Bradley University hosted the 13th annual International Scholastic Bowl, a battle of brains among high school students across Illinois.
12/04/2014 9:00 AM
By Margaret Cipriano ‘15
In mid-November, Bradley University hosted the 13th annual International Scholastic Bowl, a battle of brains among high school students across Illinois. Bradley’s participation in the competition began four decades ago, when the Institute for International Studies (IIS) partnered with the Peoria Area World Affairs Council (PAWAC) to increase global education and awareness in area high schools.
Now, the International Scholastic Bowl remains an important part of Bradley’s investment in real-world preparedness. The Bowl features a broad range of topics including history, literature, fine arts, and calculation questions with an international focus. At least a quarter of questions are taken from current events topics from the Peoria Journal Star, another event partner.
The Bowl is hosted by several members of the Bradley University faculty and staff including adjunct professor and PAWAC Executive Director Angela Weck, IIS Director Dr. Charles Bukowski, Assistant Professor of English Dr. Seth Katz and event chair and member of the PAWAC Board of Directors John Rathbun. International Studies students and members from Lambda Chi Greek Fraternity also volunteered at this year’s event.
Not only does Bradley help the International Scholastic Bowl logistically in terms of event organization and space requirements, but the university’s role in the event encourages high school students to be ready for the academic and “real world” rigors facing them in college.
Because of the collaborative environment encouraged by the Bowl, many current Bradley students have been able to express their academic passions with prospective students, engaging them in conversation about the possibilities after high school studies. Even current Bradley students who had never been involved with the International Scholastic Bowl, including members from Lambda Chi, expressed their interest in returning next year to help with the event.
The top four teams in the Bowl receive a generous grant from CEFCU, the final event partner, and the winning team goes on to represent Central Illinois at the Academic World Quest competition held in Washington D.C. This will be the 10th year the International Scholastic Bowl has sent a team to the national competition hosted by the World Affairs Councils of America.