Monterey High School Students Take First Place in Regional AWQ Contest

Monterey HS Team will compete in the National Competition on April 28,2025

Congratulations to Monterey High School for taking first place in our regional Academic World Quest competition (AWQ). The four team members, Zahra Sellami, Vrishabh Gupta, Eunyul Kim, and Khushi Shah, along with their coach, Nicholaus Bourgeois, will travel to Washington, D.C. in April to participate in the national Academic World Quest competition. Thanks to funds raised by the World Affairs Council of Monterey Bay Area (WACMB), travel expenses will be covered, ensuring these students have the opportunity to compete on the national stage.

Monterey HS AWQ team members Eunyul Kim, Zahra Sellami, Vrishabh Gupta, Khushi Shah, and coach Nicholaus Bourgeois.
Monterey HS AWQ team members Eunyul Kim, Khushi Shah, Zahra Sellami, Vrishabh Gupta, and coach Nicholaus Bourgeois. WACMB President Peter Albano in background.

Academic World Quest is a rigorous team challenge that assesses students’ understanding of international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. Competing in teams of four, students answered questions spanning six critical global topics, showcasing their depth of knowledge and collaborative skills.

The Monterey County Office of Education in partnership with WACMB hosted the regional Academic World Quest Competition on Saturday, February 22, 2025, bringing together Monterey County high school teams for an exciting test of global knowledge and critical thinking.

Coach Bourgeois said of the regional competition, “The entire experience has been rewarding and a wonderful learning opportunity for our students.” Zahra Sellami, Monterey High School team leader reflected, “AWQ was an incredibly rewarding experience that exposed us to eclectic topics surrounding our world today. Our dedication, collaboration, and lighthearted attitude made this event truly delightful. As we advance to the national level, we are determined to excel and represent Monterey County with pride.”

Read the news release from MCOE here.

Informational Zoom Session for High School Educators
AWQ 2025 Info Session Poster Image

For more detailed information contact Norma Esparza at nesparza@montereycoe.org

Click here for information about the national competition.