The academic team took home second place in the recent district competition. Junior Melinda Silaghi was one of the top six competitors in the district and, as a result, was selected to compete on the state team. The state competition takes place at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort in April.

Merritt Island placed first in the district.

“This is their strong year,” said senior Avi Patel, who cited his team’s one weakness. “They’re not really strong on history.”

According to Patel, the only senior on the team, the academic team currently in a rebuilding year.

“We’re going to have a strong year next year,” Patel said. “The next three or four years, we’re going to be dominant.”

Coach Angela Feldbush is also optimistic.

“Merritt Island had an unusually strong year. They had a lot of seniors,” Feldbush said. “We’re sending one player to state, and that always makes players stronger. We’re going to have a great season next year.”

Patel said he’s fine with the way the season turned out.

“I ask myself, ‘did I leave it better?’ I think I did,” he said.

By Neill Johnston