OROVILLE, Calif. — Pleasant Valley High School claimed the 2026 Butte County Academic Decathlon title after a nail-biting finish, edging Las Plumas High School by just 51 points at the countywide competition hosted by the Butte County Office of Education.
Coached by Pleasant Valley government teachers Mike Brooks and Beth Burton, PVHS posted a total score of 33,017 to secure first place. Las Plumas High finished second, followed by Oroville High in third.
“This event is a true community effort,” said Mary Ellen Garrahy, Butte County Academic Decathlon Coordinator. “From the students and coaches to the volunteers and judges, everyone played a role in making this Academic Decathlon a meaningful and inspiring experience.”
PV Team Advances to State Competition
The winning Pleasant Valley High School team includes Abigail Harrell, Jackson Harrison, Kayla Tyson, Hyunhu Na, Amun Reddy, Thomas Ma, Bret Daugherty, Ayden Haggard, and Myla Axtell. With the county title, PVHS will represent Butte County at the California State Academic Decathlon (March 20–22) in Santa Clara.
“Roaring 1920s” Theme Spans 10 Events
This year’s theme, “The Roaring 1920s,” challenged students across 10 events, including economics, mathematics, literature, science, art, music, essay, interview, and speech. Students competed across three divisions, with bronze, silver, and gold medals awarded in each subject area.
Pleasant Valley students earned several top honors, with Thomas Ma named Overall Top Scoring Honors Student and Bret Daugherty recognized as Overall Top Scoring Scholastic Student. Las Plumas High School’s Cesar Lozano was named the Overall Top Scoring Varsity Student.
Despite narrowly missing first place, Las Plumas decathlete Maizy Miller reflected on the experience: “I’m especially proud of my team this year—not only for bringing home the vast majority of medals, but for being an absolutely amazing group of people,” Miller said. “Everyone had such a strong academic drive, which is necessary to compete and do well.”
Community Volunteers Helped Make the Event Possible
Students from Pleasant Valley High School, Las Plumas High School, Oroville High School, Paradise High School, and Biggs High School participated in the 2026 competition. The event was supported by community volunteers who served as judges for essays, interviews, and speeches.
Speech and interview judge Angharad Musladin praised students’ professionalism and character. “I was very impressed with how all the students conducted themselves,” Musladin said. “They showed maturity, leadership, and genuine respect by personally thanking volunteers, supporting their teammates, and encouraging one another throughout the competition. It really gives me hope for the future.”
“Academic Decathlon reminds us that when students are given the opportunity to think critically and push their limits, they rise to the occasion,” Garrahy added. “This bodes well for the future of our community.”
For more information about the Butte County Academic Decathlon or how to participate, contact Mary Ellen Garrahy at mgarrahy@bcoe.org.