MADERA COUNTY, CA – Madera County students delivered an outstanding performance at recent statewide competitions, earning top honors and bringing home awards in both the California Academic Decathlon and Mock Trial.

Students from Glacier High School Charter captured four medals at the California Academic Decathlon, highlighted by a historic achievement from Hope Judd. Judd earned a silver medal as the second-highest scoring student overall in the Division IV Scholastic category—the first time a Madera County student has reached this level of recognition. She also earned two bronze medals in art and literature, showcasing her well-rounded academic excellence.

Adding to Glacier High’s success, Ian Judd earned a bronze medal in science and was the highest-scoring member of his team, further demonstrating the strength and dedication of Madera County students.

At the California Mock Trial state competition, Eliana Cantu of Matilda Torres High School was recognized as Outstanding Defense Pretrial Attorney, an honor awarded by

scoring attorneys to students who demonstrate exceptional skill, preparation, and courtroom presence.

“These achievements reflect the incredible talent, hard work, and commitment of our students,” said Tricia Protzman, Madera County Superintendent of Schools. “Competing and excelling at the state level is no small feat. We are immensely proud of these students for representing Madera County with such excellence.”

More than 475 students from 55 schools participated in the California Academic Decathlon in Santa Clara. Competitors completed rigorous testing across seven subject areas, delivered prepared and impromptu speeches, wrote essays, participated in interviews, and competed in the fast-paced Super Quiz.

At the Mock Trial competition in Oakland, students from 32 schools participated in four rounds of courtroom competition, arguing both the prosecution and the defense in the fictional case People vs. Fromholz.

This year marked Madera County’s 44th year participating in the Academic Decathlon and 42nd year in Mock Trial.  Both are longstanding programs that continue to highlight the academic excellence and leadership of local students.

Student Academic Events are hosted by the Madera County Superintendent of Schools in partnership with the Madera County Schools Foundation.

Pictured:
Hope Judd– Glacier High School student who was the second-highest scoring student overall in the Division IV Scholastic category and earned two bronze medals
Ian Judd– Glacier High School student who was the top scoring student on the team and earned a bronze medal
Eliana Cantu– Matilda Torres High School student who earned Outstanding Defense Pretrial Attorney at the Mock Trial state competition

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Glacier High School Charter – Decathlon Champions