Students place first in academic competition

A team of 14 Lynbrook fifth-grade students in West End School’s Voyager Program for gifted and talented students finished first in New York State and eighth in the nation in the 44th Fifth and Sixth Grade Knowledge Master Open academic competition. Competing against 206 schools from around the nation and the world, the Lynbrook team scored 705 of 1,000 possible points to win their state and national titles. Teams are awarded points based on both the speed and accuracy of their answers.

“The team worked very well together, capitalizing on each individual’s strength,” said Voyager teacher Doreen Papa.

The Knowledge Master Open was designed to stimulate enthusiasm for learning and recognition for academic accomplishment. The contest runs on classroom computers to allow all students the opportunity to compete in a large academic event without the expense of traveling to a central site. Results are tabulated by Academic Hallmarks, a Colorado publishing firm that hosts the event. Over the years, Voyagers from Lynbrook’s West End, Waverly Park and Marion Street elementary schools have consistently placed in the top five in the state.