For the second year in a row, Alhambra High School has emerged victorious at the 43rd Annual Los Angeles County Academic Decathlon, showcasing outstanding intellect, teamwork and dedication. Competing against 33 high schools, the team demonstrated remarkable mastery across ten challenging subject areas to secure the championship title. 

This year’s competition was fierce, with nearly 420 students forming 55 teams from across the county, pushing the limits of academic excellence. After a month of rigorous challenges, the decathletes gathered today at a celebratory banquet hosted by the Los Angeles County Office of Education, where their achievements were honored in front of peers, educators and supporters. 

Beyond their academic success, participants also demonstrated a deep commitment to their community by raising nearly $2,000 in gift cards for families impacted by the Eaton and Palisades Fires. The funds were donated to the Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation to support those affected, highlighting the compassion and leadership of these remarkable students. 

“These students exemplify the very best of academic dedication and perseverance,” said Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools. “Their commitment to excellence is truly inspiring, but what’s even more impressive is their dedication to making a difference beyond the classroom. I couldn’t be prouder of all the decathletes, their coaches, and the schools that supported them. Congratulations to Alhambra High School and all the teams moving forward to represent our county at the state level!” 

The Top Five Teams are: 

1. Alhambra High School, 46,873 points 
2. Mark Keppel High School, 46,307 points 
3. El Rancho High School, 42,841 points 
4. West High School, 41,788 points 
5. Beverly Hills High School, 37,971 points 

The Top Three Scoring Decathletes: 

1. Kevin San, Alhambra High School, 9,485 points 
2. Kenneth San, Alhambra High School, 9,060 points 
3. Qinghan Jia, West High School, 8,716 points 

Coach Jennifer McDonough from Bassett High School received the Roberta Kordich Coach Award. The award is presented annually to the coach who best exemplifies going beyond instructing the fundamentals of the competition in motivating students to a higher level of learning and excellence. 

All top five teams and South High School have earned a coveted spot at the California Academic Decathlon in Santa Clara, with the best performers advancing to the National Academic Decathlon in Des Moines, Iowa to compete on the grand stage of academic competition. 

In recognition of their hard work and achievement, California Credit Union, a dedicated sponsor of the Academic Decathlon, awarded 15 outstanding students with scholarships ranging from $200 to $500 during the banquet.