On Saturday, April 16, from 10 am – 3 pm at Central High School in Newark, the New Jersey State ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) Conference will host its 22nd annual State Competition. Nearly 300 High School Students, including 10 from Montclair, who participate in ACT-SO throughout the state will compete in categories such as Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Original Essay, Dance, Dramatics, Oratory, Music (Instrumental and Vocal), Architecture, Drawing, Filmmaking, Photography, Sculpture and more.
“The competition and awards ceremony sets the tone for the acknowledgement and celebration of academic and cultural achievement of New Jersey students”, noted Deborah S. Gregory, state chairperson.
First Place winners, announced on Sunday, April 17th at the H.B. Wilson Middle School in Camden, New Jersey, will represent the state of New Jersey at the NAACP National Convention held in Los Angeles, CA this July.
ACT-SO, often referred to as the “Olympics of the Mind” is intended to be a learning experience. The focus of a viable and effective local ACT-SO program is on enrichment and mentorship. Students work with ACT-SO mentors who help them develop projects throughout the year. Local ACT-SO programs also provide ACT-SO students with enrichment opportunities, such as workshops, tutorials, and field trips.