Coach Jason Bordelon told the School Board that Mandeville High School’s quiz bowl team, revitalized three years ago, qualified for the national competition for the first time in decades.

Bordelon said the team grew from four original members to roughly 17 and that members have consistently placed near the top in local and regional tournaments. The coach credited administrators, parents and volunteer staff for supporting the program.

“We have about 17 members now,” Bordelon said. “These kids behind me started off as novices with no experience… in just 3 years, we’ve grown from that to qualifying for nationals.”

Student leaders Aditiya Babar (vice president) and Logan Penton (president, original member) told the board the experience has been transformational, building competitiveness and communication skills. Bordelon highlighted the team’s academic performance, saying the group has an average weighted GPA of 4.5 and an average ACT score of 32.

Board members congratulated the team and wished them luck at nationals in Atlanta in May.