The D/HOH Academic Bowl team is preparing for the upcoming southeast regional competition the week of Feb. 26 through March 1 at the Delaware School for the Deaf.

Many categories are tested in the bowl, including in history, math and science. The competition is similar to It’s Academic; however, the D/HOH Academic Bowl also tests knowledge of deaf culture and history. Moreover, team members are asked questions visually rather than auditorily.

“It’s really helped improved my grades in some classes because of the topics we practice,” freshman Ruth Ferster said. “So our families are really supportive of the Academic Bowl.”

The team consists of seven members, but only four will compete in the upcoming Academic Bowl. Each member is assigned a subject to prepare for individually. The team has been practicing since the beginning of October and meets Tuesdays at lunch and Thursdays after school, using buzzers and white boards during practice rounds.

Sophomore Jaclyn Gleicher is a two-year member of the academic bowl team. “It’s a lot of work,” Gleicher said. “We practice as a team and we also have to practice outside of school, sometimes with each other without the coaches. But it’ll pay off and I’m excited for the competitions.”

Last year, the team earned third place at the regional competition, as they did in 2001 and 2013, and won a spot to nationals at Galludet University, but did not place. The team hopes to place at nationals this year as they did in 2002, when they finished in third.

D/HOH teacher and Academic Bowl coach Jenna Hubble said,”The team allows them and all the deaf students here to see more of the deaf community. To be a part of it and meet other deaf people from the other side of the country a�� so they can bring that back and share their experiences here.”

The team also works to raise funds used for travel costs, supplies and uniforms. Last year, the team raised enough money to buy buzzers for team practices and are using Jamberry Nails to fundraise this year. In the past, the team has received sponsorships from Sorrenson Communications, a deaf and hard of hearing communications provider, and the Montgomery County Association for Hearing Impaired Children (MCAHIC). The team has also held fundraisers at Ruby Tuesday.

“Other than transportation, there is no challenge. Everything is visual and shown on the boards,” Hubble said. “The kids can write and they don’t have to worry about speaking and the kids can communicate using sign and using written English, so the kids don’t see their deafness as a disability.”