The Kirkland Junior High Academic Games team completed an undefeated season and advanced to the Nationals where it took second.

The team beat Baldi Middle School a choice school in Philadelphia, Penn. on March 26 38-35. Upon advancing to the “Elite Eight,” on April 17, the KJH team played Masterman Middle School, of Philadelphia, Penn. who has won the national title several times. Juanita lost by a score of 53-47.

The team was presented with the district trophy at the May 4 Lake Washington School Board meeting by Superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball. Principal Debbie McCarson was in attendance to congratulate the group of students on their achievement.

The 2008-2009 Academic Games team was comprised of Jake Nash, Reily Blackner, Maria Dawson, Nikola Lakic, Jessica Lund, Kent Oshiro, Austin Myhre, Lia Roberds, Chloe Nash, Stephanie Kim, Rachel Elliott, Dakota Campbell, Zach Oelsner, Sarah Dawson, James Whitfield, and Mark Hedreen.