Emmaus academic team urges East Penn board to reconsider denial of nationals trip

Two students from Emmaus High School asked the East Penn School District Board of School Directors to reverse an administrative decision that the students say denied qualified team members the opportunity to compete at the national quiz-bowl tournament in New Orleans.

Sarvesh Senguhtavan, a senior and captain of the Emmaus academic team, told the board he and his teammates had worked all year to qualify for nationals and were disheartened to learn the trip was rejected. “We were told that this rejection was due to the fact that we will miss 2 days of school soon before finals,” Senguhtavan said, noting many team members are AP students or seniors who would be exempt from finals. He said parents and students understood the time and cost commitments and still wanted to attend.

William Zhang, a junior and fellow team member, described hours of daily preparation and called the possible denial “devastating” after the team qualified. “We have dedicated multiple hours a day for practice and preparation for our competition,” Zhang said, urging the board to allow the team to compete and represent the school.

Superintendent Dr. Campbell acknowledged the students and said the public-comment period is one-sided but that administration would follow up with building leaders. Dr. Campbell said staff would contact the students and families to provide additional information and next steps.

The board made no immediate decision during public comment. The item was presented during the public-comment portion of the Feb. 12 meeting; the superintendent said building administration would follow up with the students and families and that the board would be kept informed of any further administrative action.