This past Saturday, the Walker Institute and the Columbia World Affairs Council cohosted Columbia's Academic WorldQuest competition. Academic WorldQuest, organized by the World Affairs Councils of America, is a fun and friendly competition that offers high school students the opportunity to show their knowledge of world affairs, geography, history, and current events. Preparation for and participation in Academic WorldQuest allows students to expand their understanding of global issues, and develop their ability to think globally. Teams start by competing at the local or regional level, eventually advancing to a national competition.

Six teams competed in this year’s Columbia competition, representing 2 schools from Columbia (A.C. Flora High School and River Bluff High School) and a school from Gwinnett County, Georgia (Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology).

The first-place prize was awarded to a team from the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology. Second place was awarded to River Bluff High School. Third place was awarded to a second team from the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology. The first-place team will go to Washington D.C. in April to compete in the national Academic WorldQuest competition.

We appreciate all the teams, coaches, and parents for coming out and participating! We hope to see you back next year!