AcaDec Season Recap

State Results: 1ST Place National Results: 3RD Place, Division III

Team members won seventeen medals and earned three scholarships. It was also the first time that SPX had three quadruple medal winners in individual events; Adam Goodyear, Colette CorreaBruzzese, and Chidike Anozie took home a combination of four gold, silver, and bronze medals. Mr. James Penn has been coaching SPX Academic Decathlon Teams for 31 years, starting the program in the fall of 1991 and winning its first State Championship in 1998. Since then, SPX has collected twenty-two State Championships and often placed among the top six in Division II or III at the National Finals, including five top three team trophies and banners. The purpose of the competition is to help form well-rounded leaders for the future: “It has been a joy to participate in this venture and witness the intellectual, social, and character growth of the students who participate in this program. It was a pleasure and a privilege to coach these fantastic students this school year!” James Penn

Seniors

Juniors Sophomore

Chidike Anozie

Jonathan Constable Adam Vigil

Honors Division

Adam Goodyear (12)

•National Gold Medal in Science

•National Gold Medal in Essay

•National Bronze Medal in Art

•National Bronze Medal in Mathematics

•Gold Medal for Highest Overall Score

•Scholarship Winner for Highest Team Scorer

•Scholarship Winner for Team MVP

•4th Place in History and Speech

Andres Ismond (12)

•6th Place in Speech

Emmanuel Padilla (10)

•6th Place in History

Scholastic Division

Colette Correa-Bruzzese (12)

•National Gold Medal in Interview

•National Silver Medal in History

•National Bronze Medal in Economics

•National Bronze Medal in Literature

•5th Place in Science, Art, and Essay

•5th Place in Overall Score

Arden Palanza (12)

•National Bronze Medal in Essay

•National Bronze Medal in Interview

•4th Place in Speech

Adam Vigil (11)

•National Silver Medal in Art

•4th Place in Science

•6th Place in History and Mathematics

Varsity Division

Chidike Anozie (11)

•National Gold Medal in Science

•National Silver Medal in Economics

•National Silver Medal in Speech

•National Bronze Medal in Literature

•5th Place in Interview

•National Division III Plaque for Overall Score

•Scholarship Winner for Overall Score

Jonathan Constable (11)

•National Silver Medal in Science

•5th Place in Speech

Lawrence Havelka (12)

•4th Place in Mathematics

On April 26th, the St. Pius X Athletic Department hosted its annual Signing Day, a day of celebration and recognition for the nine graduating Sartans who signed with colleges to further their athletic careers. It was a momentous occasion that signified the culmination of hard work, dedication, and passion for sports, marking the close of one chapter, and the beginning of an exciting new journey. SPX is proud to recognize these student-athletes who have worked endlessly to achieve excellence on the field, track, and in the classroom. SPX Signing Day was attended by family, coaches, and the entire student body who cheered on these athletes as they achieved their dream of playing college sports.

Samuel Buerschen Benedictine College: Cross Country/Track & Field (NAIA)

Desarae Chavez University of Saint Mary: Softball (NAIA)

Trista Cordova New Mexico State University: Cross Country/Track & Field (Division I)

Gianna Maldonado University of Puget Sound: Soccer (Division III)

Lucas Martinez Antelope Valley College: Baseball (NJCAA)

Malachi Pena Tufts University: Baseball (Division III)

Adrian Sanchez New Mexico Tech: Rugby (National Collegiate Rugby)

Jacob Sena New Mexico Military Institute: Baseball (NJCAA)

Gene Trujillo University of New Mexico: Baseball (Division I)

Red vs. Green All-Stars

Jim Cook Director of Athletics, SPX

As the academic year draws to a close, it presents a perfect opportunity for reflection and evaluation of the athletic seasons. It is a time to acknowledge our victories and learn from our mistakes. Regardless of the outcomes achieved by our teams, one constant remains: the dedication displayed by our student-athletes and coaches. I am rarely disappointed by their efforts. Over the course of this school year, we have undergone several changes in our coaching staff. New coaches have taken charge of football, girls soccer, and the Dorados dance team. Change is always challenging, yet it is through change that we hope to grow and become stronger.

In addition to the changes in coaching, we must also say goodbye to some exceptional student-athletes who will be graduating. To these senior student-athletes, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the countless hours, effort, and hard work you have invested in our teams and SPX. Your contributions have laid a solid foundation for future athletes to build upon. To those underclassmen athletes that will be returning, the time has come for you to embrace the opportunity to effect the changes, become leaders, and set an example. You now have the chance to shape your teams and work towards achieving both collective and personal goals.

As we bid farewell to the academic year, we encourage everyone to take a well-deserved break. Take this time to relax, but also to gradually prepare for the excitement that the next school year will undoubtedly bring. Use this time to unwind, rejuvenate, and recharge. Exciting changes lie ahead.