TTC Quest Attracts 1200 Local Middle and High School Students

Photo from TTC Facebook page

Did you see around 1200 students on campus last Saturday who looked too young to be college students? That was Quest, TTC's academic competition. An annual event, Quest invites students in grades 6-12 from around the Lowcountry to participate in academic challenges. 


Students competed in math, science, social studies, composition, public speaking and visual arts to win points for their schools. They also competed in computer aided design, culinary, hospitality service, welding and others.

Dr. Amy Hudock helped judge a Level IV composition competition. The students chose between writing prompts on two topics: the usefulness of standardized testing or the significance of the decline of print media. She says, "They came ready to write. I was impressed with the strength of the essays. Quest students show a great deal of academic promise."



Overall School Winners


Level I (Grade 6)
First Place: Thomas C. Cario Middle School
Second Place: Alston Middle School
Third Place: Berkeley Middle School


Level II (Grades 7-8)
First Place: Charleston County School of the Arts
Second Place: Rollings Middle School of the Arts
Third Place: Thomas C. Cario Middle School

Level III (Grades 9-10)
First Place: Wando High School
Second Place: Stratford High School
Third Place: James Island Charter High School

Level IV (Grades 11-12)
First Place: Wando High School
Second Place: Ashley Ridge High School
Third Place: Summerville High School

Photo by Tyrone Walker

Diane Knich writes in the Post and Courier that "Trident Tech President Mary Thornley said that when Quest first was launched, many events existed that recognized students' athletic success, and that was a good thing. But there was little recognition for students' academic success. Trident Technical College wanted to contribute to the community -- and to let the public know the college exists and is a strong academic force, she said. This year marked the largest event in the challenge's history, she said. And Google stepped up as the event's first sponsor. Each school selects students to participate in the many Quest challenges, Thornley said." You can read more of Knich's article here.  

Photo by Tyrone Walker

Fort Dorchester senior Ann Wylie takes her pizza to the oven Saturday during the culinary arts competition of the Quest Challenge. Trident Technical College’s 26th annual academic event drew 1,200 sixth- through 12th-graders.