Chaffey High School Academic Decathlon students recognized

By Liset Marquez

Staff Writer

ONTARIO: You may remember a couple of weeks ago when my colleague Canan Tasci wrote about the achievements of Chaffey High School's academic decathlon team.

After finishing as runner-up to Redlands High School in four previous San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon competitions, Chaffey High students in February not only came in first place, but posted the highest county score in the event's 26 years. 

They went on to compete in the state and finished in 9th place. On Tuesday night they were recognized by the Ontario City Council.

In speaking about the students, Mayor Paul Leon said "we are honored to have them here as an example of the city's future."

Councilman Alan Wapner, whose two daughters have been on the team, said the success of the team can also be attributed to the leadership of their coach Steven Mercado.

In a rare instance, City Attorney John Brown requested to speak during the presentations.

Brown told the students that if any of them ever decided to get into law and wanted to be a part of the city attorney's office they could "look me up seven to eight years from now."

As the students exited the council chambers, Leon said "let's give them all a hand as they go home and study."

-liset.marquez@inlandnewspapers.com