HANC 'Challenges' SHA on Scholastic Game Show

The prepared to take on Sacred Heart Academy in a battle of the minds this Sunday.

Students from HANC, which is headquartered in West Hempstead, will face-off against a team from SHA on MSG Varsity's academic game show, “The Challenge,” which airs at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 15 on Cablevison Channel 14. 

 “We’re proud to celebrate academics on MSG Varsity through ‘The Challenge’ and to provide these extremely bright students a platform to showcase their talents with their communities,” said Theresa Chillianis, MSG Varsity’s General Manager. “Good luck to all of this year’s teams.”

The competing teams will be tested on their knowledge of history, arts and literature, current events, math, and science in front of a live studio audience.

“Each season I am blown away by the students’ intelligence and their wide array of knowledge in so many diverse categories,” said host Jared Cotter. “I’m really excited to get the season started and to see which teams are going to bring it.”

The Hebrew Academy of Nassau County team is represented by Ari Himber, Marissa Young (Captain), Kayla Shelly, Michael Rubin and Justin Grace (Alternate). The academic advisor is Karen Sheff. Sacred Heart's team is comprised of Caitlin Powers, Gina Medayil, Sherilyne Co (Captain), Emma Christie and Megan Brady (Alternate), with advisors Rachna Sabharwal and MaryAnn Shine.

“The Challenge” includes 192 high schools from the entire tri-state area, 64 of which represent Long Island this season. Participating schools will advance through a series of elimination rounds, with one school in each region being crowned regional champion and winning $2,500 for their school. The winning teams from each region will go on to “The Challenge” Championship where they square off in a Tri-State Showdown, competing for the title of Tri-State Champion and $10,000 for their school. Each student participating in the final “Challenge” Championship game will also receive $500.