Students from Mountainside Middle College High School made a notable debut at the 2026 El Dorado County Academic Decathlon, earning multiple individual medals in their first year participating in the county’s premier scholastic competition.
The school, an alternative charter program operated by the El Dorado County Office of Education, joined teams from across the county in the annual academic contest, which challenges high school students to compete across a broad range of disciplines.
This year’s decathlon theme, The Roaring Twenties, asked students to explore the dynamic decade of the 1920s, examining its literature, art, science, music, economics and social history. The era—known for cultural transformation, jazz music, and rapid economic change—provided the foundation for months of preparation.
Coach Tanya Jefferson said the experience was transformative for the students.
“MMCHS joined the Academic Decathlon for the first time this year, and it was an incredible experience,” Jefferson said. “The program brings together students across all GPA ranges to compete as a team, turning classmates who might not have known each other into teammates and friends. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and how they represented our school.”
Students spent months preparing for the event, studying topics ranging from the Harlem Renaissance to the economic forces that eventually led to the Great Depression. Competitors also practiced essay writing, sharpened interview skills, and trained for the fast-paced Super Quiz relay.
Their preparation paid off.
Mountainside students earned medals in several subject areas, including social science, science, music, economics, literature, art, interview, and speech. Several students placed among the top scorers in their divisions, marking an impressive performance for a first-year team.
Medal Winners
Social Science
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Silver — Audrey Skinner (Varsity)
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Silver — Aison Hale (Scholastic)
Science
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Gold — Chloe Stuart (Scholastic)
Music
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Gold — Audrey Skinner (Varsity)
Economics
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Bronze — Audrey Skinner (Varsity)
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Silver — Aison Hale (Scholastic)
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Gold — Chloe Stuart (Scholastic)
Literature
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Silver — Audrey Skinner (Varsity)
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Silver — Noah Baker (Scholastic)
Art
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Silver — Audrey Skinner (Varsity)
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Silver — Aison Hale (Scholastic)
Interview
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Bronze — Noe Dickerson (Varsity)
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Silver — Leah Cosetti (Honors)
Speech
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Bronze — James Temple (Varsity)
School leaders said the results reflect both the students’ dedication and the collaborative nature of the Academic Decathlon program.
Jefferson said the team plans to return next year with even more experience under its belt.
“We look forward to competing again next year,” she said.
