Johnathan Pirtle, a history buff at just 13, has a knowledge of past events that rivals some seasoned scholars. So, it was no surprise when he advanced to the state academic team meet in the Social Studies competition.
Johnathan tied for fourth place at regionals in order to advance to the state competition. He will wage an academic battle with his peers on Saturday. The social studies testing starts at 7 p.m., which doesn’t quite align with his early bird nature, but Johnathan is determined not to let anything stand in his way.
The academic meet will include questions on civil geography, U.S. History, mythology, world civilization and pop culture to name a few. Johnathan laughed and said there was even a question about the Taylor Swift Eras Tour on the regional test. And he got it right!
Johnathan and his academic coach, Sheila Underwood, have devised a plan to utilize practice tests from prior teams to study and prepare for the contest. Johnathan said he will put in extra work on ancient history and 1800’s American history so he can beat his nemesis, a student at Henry County Middle School.
“I’ve always been interested in history, mostly modern history from the 1900’s forward,” Johnathan said. “I always give my best.”
Underwood added that Johnathan is a very good writer. “He is always up for the challenge of being challenged,” she said. Underwood noted that CCMS sends a student to the state academic competition every three or four years.
Johnathan said he is not expecting to win, but is shooting to place in the top 10. “I’m hoping for top 10 and to do it again next year,” he said. His performance at regionals and advancement to state has inspired his other teammates.
“I think it will be a really fun time. I will try my best and go for the gold!,” Johnathan said.