Oyster River High School Advances to Granite State Challenge Quarterfinal

Oyster River High School's team competes in Round One of the Granite State Challenge. From left, James Li, Annika Clemmons, Aaron Eisenberg, and Captain Lincoln Bens. (Photo Courtesy NH PBS)

DURHAM – Superintendent James Morse and Principal Rebecca Noe are proud to share that a team of Oyster River High School students will advance to the Granite State Challenge quarterfinal after their Round One win.

Oyster River's team, represented by senior Captain Lincoln Bens, juniors Aaron Eisenberg and James Li, and sophomore Annika Clemmons, competed in Round One against Winnacunnet High School. The match aired on New Hampshire PBS on Thursday, March 16.

The team alternates are first-year Everett Ehlen and senior Christopher Hawley (absent). The team is coached by Oyster River English Teacher John Monahan.

Over the course of four rounds, teams answered questions that covered history, geography, science, math, language arts, fine arts, current events, entertainment, sports, and New Hampshire.

"Each of these students brings a unique perspective and diverse knowledge to the team," said Monahan. "I am extremely proud of their performance so far. It's an honor to coach and guide them."

Oyster River earned 350 points throughout the match by answering a variety of questions, including those about "The Lion King" musical, basketball legend Kobe Bryant, the 1969 uprising at Stonewall Inn in New York City's Greenwich Village, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, and more.

"Our students consistently display their sharp skills and knowledge whenever they step behind the podium," said Principal Noe. "The team has made everyone at Oyster River High School proud."

Oyster River took home the win with a final score of 350-230. The team advances to the quarterfinal where they will face Trinity High School, which will air on Thursday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m.

"Congratulations to Oyster River's trivia team for their performance in Round One of the Granite State Challenge," said Superintendent Morse. "We are all looking forward to watching this group of talented individuals compete in the quarterfinal."

The Granite State Challenge is hosted by Jon Cannon, Bow High School teacher and former coach for Bedford High School.

The competition can be viewed on the Granite State Challenge webpage.