Organized and run by Math teacher, David Gallant, “Reach” as students sometimes call it, has gained popularity, especially over the last two years.
“Each year, the number of students interested and competition level raises,” said Gallant.
“With over 65 active students, the numbers have doubled from its early days and show no sign of slowing down”
Originally created by former Three Oaks teacher Gary Robicheau, “Reach” was going strong before his passing in 2005.
Reach for the Top isn’t much different than your ordinary trivia game, with a time limit for each question and a buzzer for the quickest thinker. Some compare it to the popular TV show Family Feud.
The questions, which are all prepared in advance, have a short three-second time limit before the red light flashes and signals time is up.
“The question’s range from popular school subjects but can literally stretch to anything imaginable at any point during the game,” said Gallant.
Each question has a point value; most are the same, however, some questions are worth more than others depending on the level of difficulty.
Each four-person team is assigned a schedule and takes turns playing different lunch hours during the week until playoffs begin later in the year.
A date many circle on their calendar is when the top team squares off against a group of teachers. These marquee games are rare but always bring in a big crowd and so was the case on Dec. 21 in the school’s lecture theatre.
A biology teacher, social studies teacher and two English teachers made up one team while the other team consisted of two Grade 11 and two Grade 12 students.
In previous teachers versus student’s games, the teachers would normally come out winners, however, that was not the case this time around.
Led by Jessica Gillis, the students pulled off a come-from-behind win over the teachers and now hold bragging rights until the next matchup.
“It was a well played game by both teams,” said English teacher Tim Hockin. “But it was the Christmas related questions that killed us.”
Gallant says that teams with most success are usually well balanced.
“Having four members all good in science can only take you so far in a game like this,” he said. “Our winning teams are often a good balance of knowledge in different fields.
