Local teams earn top honors, historic finish and individual accolades at state competition
Students from Folsom High School and Vista del Lago High School delivered standout performances at the 2026 California Academic Decathlon, bringing home top honors and continuing a tradition of academic excellence for the Folsom Cordova Unified School District.
Competing recently in Santa Clara, both teams showcased their depth of knowledge, discipline and teamwork across one of the state’s most demanding academic competitions.
Folsom High School made history with a first-place finish in Division 2, marking the first time a Sacramento County school has claimed a state championship in its division at the California Academic Decathlon. The team also secured third place in the highly competitive Super Quiz, answering 71 out of 84 questions correctly in front of a live audience.
The Bulldogs compiled an impressive overall score of 45,051.1 out of a possible 60,000 points, capping off a weekend filled with rigorous testing, speeches, interviews and team-based events, along with moments of celebration and camaraderie.
Among the team’s highlights, Aekari Chien and Hana Haque were recognized as four-year decathletes, a notable achievement reflecting sustained excellence and commitment at the highest level of competition.
Individual medalists for Folsom High included Joseph Craig, who earned gold in essay and silver in literature, while Hana Haque captured gold medals in both speech and interview, along with silver in economics and bronze in science, and a bronze Super Decathlete award. Nolan King earned bronze medals in essay and science, and Saanvi Sangisetti added a bronze in economics.
Annie Yang delivered one of the most decorated performances of the competition, earning multiple medals including gold in literature, silver medals in interview, essay, music, social science, math and economics, and a silver Super Decathlete honor. Additional team members Rathna Adusumalli, Aekari Chien, Ananya Pujari and Yearasi Prasedha contributed to the team’s overall success.
Vista del Lago High School also turned in a strong showing, placing fourth in Division 3 and matching its finish from the previous year. The Eagles continued to demonstrate consistency and growth within a competitive field.
Individual recognitions for Vista included Arush Pogulakonda, who earned bronze in science, and Sanjeev Ambalam, who secured a silver medal in math. Avyu Salver earned bronze medals in economics and essay along with silver in literature, while Alessandra Seghesio emerged as the team’s highest-scoring competitor and earned membership in the prestigious 7,000-point club.
Educators behind the programs were also credited for their leadership and mentorship, including Folsom High teachers Melinda Wilson and Ryan Peterson, along with Vista del Lago teacher Jessica Mann, all of whom played key roles in preparing students for the statewide competition.
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