The three Badger Rock Middle School students who competed locally, then nationally, in the African American History Challenge [Bowl] learned more than historical facts.  Angela Moreno-Lopez, 13, who just finished seventh grade, said she now knows she can perform in a competitive environment. Patrice Johnson, 13, who was an eighth-grader at Badger Rock, said the national competition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, helped her overcome worries about talking in front of people and being filmed. "I've never been on a plane before, so I overcame a lot of my fears," she said. "I've never been in an ocean." The third member of the team, Olivia Mardak-Kennebeck, 13, who just finished seventh grade.

The National African American History Challenge [Bowl] was held June 13 at the 28th Annual Conference of 100 Black Men of America, where the Badger Rock students missed a chance to advance by one question.

The Badger Rock team earned its appearance at the national event by competing against 11 other middle schools in the Madison School District at the 20th annual African American History Challenge [Bowl] presented April 5 by 100 Black Men of Madison. The group is a nonprofit organization that aims to make a positive difference in the lives of area youth.

The African American history competition was done in a quiz show format, and the winning team was awarded trophies, monetary prizes and an expenses-paid trip to the national competition. "We actually view the African American History Challenge bowl as a process rather than an event," said Floyd Rose, president of the 100 Black Men of Madison.

Glenn Patterson, a Badger Rock teacher, said the contest provided an especially important lesson for the students at the school, which has about 100 students. "They got to experience that David could actually slay a lion," Patterson said. "They got to be part of a team ... It just very much enhanced their experience in education."

Angela said she hears references in the media and in every day life to what she learned in the competition. Now, she has a better understanding of the history behind those things.  "It was a chance for me to learn something new," Patrice said.

Besides studying and competing, the students had other experiences like swimming in the ocean next to their hotel and walking on the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk.

"It was probably both stressful and fun," Olivia said.