Saint Peter High School’s Knowledge Bowl team is in full swing, ready for another great year of success and excitement, and SPHS science teacher Dr. Chris Harmes, the advisor of this group, is leading this group of young, promising students. This year there are 12 students on the Knowledge Bowl team, down a bit from last year after the graduation of a talented group, therefore they’re still trying to find their footing, but they are doing so with determination.
(PICTURED ABOVE) SPHS Knowledge Bowl team members for 2023-24 include: front row (l to r), Keira Dunn, Liana Snow, Baylee Nygard, Emmalyn Hastings, Emma Smith; back row, Daniel Zhang, Marcus Graves, Callum Harmes, Sada Harmes, Lilian Filand, Molly Leonard, and Coach Dr. Chris Harmes. Not pictured is Isam Ibrahim.
After taking part in a scrimmage at Chaska on December 1, the Saints' team had an impressive outing for its first official contest of this season at Mankato's Fitzgerald Middle School on Monday, Dec. 18. The Saints had two teams place in the top 10 out of 36 teams (fifth and seventh) in the event at Mankato. The next meet is set for Friday, Jan. 19, also at Fitzgerald Middle School in Mankato.
“When I ask kids to come out for Knowledge Bowl, they often demure saying they aren't that good at trivia,” Dr. Harmes said. “And while trivia is a part of it, the questions are based on what students learn in a high school curriculum, so even if you are not the strongest trivia player, if you are passionate about one subject or topic (music, literature, physics, history, etc.) you can be a real asset to a team.” He is passionate about the knowledge his students have and fosters a very welcoming environment.
Typically the group meets twice a week – Tuesdays before school and Wednesdays after school. The practices usually contain time for trivia, but Harmes states that they practice certain aspects like themed knowledge, buzzer practice, and other useful skills. This team has a total of seven meets this year in surrounding areas, commonly held during school days. Each meet looks very similar, with around 10-15 schools, and anywhere from 30-45 teams in all. Individual teams work together to answer questions ranging from written rounds to oral rounds, aiming to score the most points for their school.
Dr. Harmes has nothing but great things to say about his group of hardworking students and encourages those interested to join or even stop by a practice to check it out. The Saint Peter High School Knowledge Bowl Team is small but mighty, ready to take on this year’s competition!
Knowledge Bowl team members include (listed alphabetically by grade):
Seniors – Keira Dunn, Marcus Graves, Emmalyn Hastings, Molly Leonard, Baylee Nygard, Emma Smith (homeschooled student), Liana Snow, and Daniel Zhang.
Juniors – Callum Harmes and Isam Ibrahim.
Sophomores - Lily Filand and Sada Harmes.
To learn more about the Knowledge Bowl team or to inquire about joining please contact Dr. Hermes at charmes2@stpeterschools.org.
The remaining Knowledge Bowl meets the Saints will compete at include the following dates:
Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 - at Fitzgerald MS (Mankato)
Friday, Feb. 8, 2024 - at Fitzgerald MS (Mankato)
Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 - at Fitzgerald MS (Mankato)
Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Section Meet at Fitzgerald MS (Mankato)