Proficient in Reading:
36%
Distinguished in Reading:
18%
Proficient in Math:
22%
Distinguished in Math:
10%
Link to the Document
School Report Card
for
School Name
Western Hills High School
Graphic with three photos on the top and text on the bottom. First photo in the top left is a WHHS student holding a pencil taking the written exam. The middle photo is a wide shot of the Quick Recall round between WHHS and FCHS. The top right photo is a FCHS student holding a pencil in his left hand and the buzzer in his right hand as he prepares to answer a question. The bottom text says "#Focus Brains and Buzzers: WHHS Hosts FCHS in Academic Competition. The background is a dark blue and the text is white.

Brains and Buzzers: WHHS Hosts FCHS in Academic Competition

Alexus Larson

October 5, 2026

Western Hills High School (WHHS) met Franklin County High School (FCHS) in the second round of the Commonwealth Academic League, the oldest academic league in the state, with some of the county's sharpest minds. The fall League includes both WHHS and FCHS, along with Scott County, Great Crossing, Woodford County, Sayre, and Anderson County. WHHS and FCHS will compete in the KAAC regular season circuit starting in January.

WHHS and FCHS face off for the Quick Recall round.

How the Competition Works

The match begins with the individual written assessment rounds. Students choose from five subjects including math, science, language arts, social studies, and arts and humanities. Each student can take up to three timed, 20-question multiple-choice exams, with up to six students per school competing in each subject area.

Student takes the written exam.

Once the written scores are tallied, the competition moves to the fast-paced buzzer round known as “Quick Recall.” The top four scoring written test takers from each school earn a seat at the table, facing off four-on-four across the five subjects.

In the Quick Recall round, a moderator reads the questions, a judge assesses accuracy, and a spotter tracks the students buzzing in to answer. The final team score combines the average written test points with Quick Recall points.

WHHS student looks forward with the buzzer lit up red.

Western Hills High School

WHHS competes in both the Commonwealth Academic League and the National Association of Quiz Tournaments (NAQT), which includes events at Berea College, the University of Kentucky, and in Louisville. Recently, WHHS achieved an outstanding victory in the first round of the KAAC Home Team Hi-Q TV show, taped in collaboration with Fox 56. Competing against three other schools in their pool, WHHS won every match to advance to the final round. Community members can tune in to watch their performance when the show airs this December.

The WHHS Academic Team Roster:

  • 12th Grade: Ethan Applegate, Dan Bush, Michael Eades, Mercy Jaminet, Malleshwar Suresh, Peter Tiedje

  • 10th Grade: Tanav Gudapati, Saanvi Kasala, Vishal Paluri, Charlie Ross, Ayaan Shaik, Harlow Stapleton

  • 9th Grade: Vienna Cooley, Meera Patel

Four WHHS students sit at a table for the Quick Recall round with their buzzers.

Franklin County High School

The FCHS Academic Team showcases versatility among its students. Members of the team are campus leaders involved in band, choir, DECA, BETA, and the archery team. They participate in rigorous coursework including honors, AP, and dual-credit courses. Several members were selected for the Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) and the Governor’s Scholar Program (GSP).

FCHS Academic Team Roster:

  • 12th Grade: Adam Alhamdani, Kaysen Gonzales, Zane Jaques, Jackson Louden, Brenna Lovins, Braylen Petrey, Eugenia Pridgen

  • 11th Grade: Carly Hoofnagle

  • 10th Grade: Noah Campbell, Miles Hamrick, Rose Morrell, Kyon Russell, Brooke Sparks

  • 9th Grade: Joseph Begley, Benjamin Douglas, Tobias Ellis, Demarian Gonzales

FCHS Academic Team Group Photo

About Franklin County Schools

FCS is committed to providing high-quality education to students in Franklin County, Ky. For more information and news about FCS, visit our website and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

###