"From Malden, MA, it's MVRCS!": Mystic Valley competes in local quiz bowl competition

By: Jeffrey Mei

Since 2009, High School Quiz Show has run eight strong seasons on WGBH. The program, hosted by Billy Costa, takes four to six of the brightest from sixteen schools across the state and puts them head to head in contests that test their intelligence.



Mystic Valley, although enthusiastic every year during auditions that they will perform well enough to compete, has only gone on the show twice, in 2008 and 2013. This year’s team consists of juniors Karen Mortimer (captain), Thomas Mahoney, Maggie Finn, and Jeffrey Mei, coached by Mr. Ambrose.

"I like the fact that we’re all working together as a team to get something done. It also helps that I can contribute in my own way” Mahoney said.

This year, the team is optimistic about its chances.

“I think our chances are good," Mortimer said.

"This year we seemed to have been more focused and determined.”

Mortimer made the team last year as well, and contributed well in the audition. The auditions, called ‘Super Sunday’ takes place at WGBH headquarters in Brighton, always on the second or third Sunday of November. There, the group of four with the two alternates audition privately with two judges to score.

Toward the end of the week, the judges finalize the top sixteen from one hundred schools. Last year, the team couldn’t muster enough points to beat the competition.

“I don’t think practices were as productive as they could be, we were distracted, and there was just too much unnecessary commentary. I think that’s what held us back," Mr. Ambrose said.

Mr. Ambrose took over as coach last year from Mr. Offner and Mrs. Utz.

“I joined for my love of challenges and trivia in general," he said. "When I found the opportunity to where I get to put that to use, I took it.”

Mr. Ambrose doesn’t have his head in the sky, but is still eager for the audition Sunday, November 13.

Remember to wish the team good luck on their auditions!