Related Items

More cool artist stuff

Biography

"Academic Challenge" was first broadcast of Cleveland's WEWS Newschannel 5 on September 26, 1964, under the title "It's Academic." Don Cameron, the show's original host, was replaced by Don Webster, the station's friendly weatherman, in 1975. The program was a local hit, earning WEWS an Emmy Award from the local chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 1986. However, the 1990's saw a steady decline in the scholastic game show's viewership. It eventually left the air in 1999. The show returned after a four-year hiatus with Adam Shapiro as the program's first non-Don host.

Three teams composed of three varsity members each compete against one another to become "Academic Challenge" champions and claim the ultimate bragging right in Northeast Ohio scholastics. The teams earn points by correctly answering questions within the following five rounds: Lightning, Mix It Up, Picture Perfect, Hot Picks, and Grab Bag.

Solon High School, 2005's champion, scored 610 points to defeat Gilmour Academy (580) and Orange High School (530) in one of the show's most memorable competitions. The Academic Challenge Team has set its sights on future championships and the $5,000 scholarship reward. Success depends on the careful research of the often discussed subjects of history, mathematics, science, geography, the arts, and current events.