Connections
May 2018
A Remarkable 34-Year Challenge Not a trivial pursuit Low ceilings, four cameras and the rumbling of bowling balls from the bowling alley next door, made for a challenging place to produce a local high school quiz show. A lot has changed since GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE (GSC) started in the basement of the UNH Memorial Union building. Today, nine cameras, the lofty expanse of Studio A and a full live studio audience now sets the scene for GSC. And once again, change is in the air. The man at the helm of the long running high school quiz show is stepping out of the limelight. Host Jim Jeannotte is wrapping up his 34-year career asking high school students tough questions. After taking the reins from Tom Bergeron, the first GSC host, Jim stepped up to the podium. “I was calling a few UNH hockey games for New Hampshire PBS and Sam, the director, asked if I would like a shot at trying out for it,” said Jim. “I don’t even think I had to try out; you can’t really prepare for this type of thing.” Looking back, one story about a shy student really stands out in Jim’s mind. “There was a young lady from Hillsborough who was the captain, and she led her team to two or three wins. After they lost we got a note from the coach saying what the game meant to this girl, who was a wallflower, and no one paid attention to her in school. This game brought her out of her shell,” Jim recalled. GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE has always been a place for kids to shine in math, science, history, arts and current affairs.
“You have to be talented and smart, but then you have to be courageous enough to press the button,” Jim said. Over the years, Jim has become a legend among GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE alumni. “I work at probate court and I’ve had many a lawyer come up to me to say they were on the show, and it meant so much to them, and they always tell people they were on GSC,” Jim said. Some of the alumni come back as coaches, and in one case, an alumnus came back as the show's director. Rob Fagnat, a 1993 team captain from Woodsville High School, stepped into the director's chair two years ago and has brought a fresh new energy to GSC. "His excitement about being back was contagious," Jim said. "It's been like a welcome home party for all of us." Never missing a beat or a show, Jim is famous for his expertise, quick response, never-ending knowledge and boundless energy. From everyone on the production team to the coaches and students, we owe our gratitude to Jim and what he has brought to GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE over the last 34 years. As for next season, Jim will be watching from home. “It will be fun to play next year when I don’t know the answers," Jim chuckled. We're pretty sure Jim will be up for the challenge. GRANITE STATE SUPER CHALLENGE
Saturday, May 12 • 6PM on NHPBS
NEW HAMPSHIRE PBS | nhpbs.org Questions or Comments? Call 603-868-1100 or email themailbox@nhpbs.org