In this photo: Reed Mankins and Tracy Harriger, two of the medal recipients from Granite Hills.

The team scored 38,035.1 points, which was about 2,500 points higher than last year. This year, the team scored 400 points less at the state competition than they did at the county competition, and last year they scored about 2,000 less at state competition than they did at county.

Granite Hills placed fifth in their division. “That’s the best that anybody in Tulare county has ever done” AcaDeca adviser Mark Harriger said.

He was glad that the team was able to maintain their point total from county, he said that usually the state point total drops from the county point total.

“The fact that we were able to maintain their score said a lot,” he said.

Granite Hills took three medals from the state competition. Reed Mankins got a bronze medal for language and literature.  Tracy Harriger got a bronze medal for music, and a gold medal for being the highest scorer on the team.

Senior Kyle Ferguson received a $2000 scholarship for the state competition. Only about 20 seniors received this scholarship. Ferguson was glad that he got this scholarship, considering that he did not get a medal, which was something that he wanted.

“I would rather have $2000 worth of scholarship money than win a medal,” Ferguson said.

The group stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento, which, according to AcaDeca member Daniel Hensley, is the hotel where Governor Arnold stays.

The super quiz and the interviews and speeches took place at the California State University, Sacramento Memorial Hall.

“The actual competition was very fun, and the fact that it is over is saddening,” Hensley said.

Hensley is a senior this year and will not be participating in AcaDeca any more after this year.