No ordinary meeting of the minds
Pasadena High Academic Decathlon
teams of past 20 years reunite
You could call it a reunion of the minds.

Members of the Pasadena High School Academic Decathlon teams from the past 20 years gathered together again recently for a celebration of the program, to see old faces and to fondly recognize coach Jane Golenko, who is retiring this year.

The reunion took place in the Pasadena High library recently and more than 50 people, including former students, teachers and administrators were in attendance. Mary Ann Cain, who is a librarian with Golenko at PHS, planned the event, along with Sylvia Hebert and Principal Morris Fuselier.

The members of 20 years of academic decathlon teams and Pasadena High School gathered for a reunion in the school's library. The program began in 1984 when Tom Hancock served as principal. The teams have advanced to the state competion 14 times in their history.

"I was very overwhelmed by this gesture," said Golenko, whose husband, Richard, is also retiring as Dobie High School's academic decathlon coach. "She (Cain) said that she had always felt that there was a great deal of history in the program and that it deserved a celebration. She felt that after 20 years of a successful program that all the teachers and coaches would enjoy seeing the students again to hear the stories of their lives, their families, and their successes."

Members of the current 2003-2004 team through the inaugural 1984-1985 group were all represented at the reunion.
"Seeing everyone again has been an awesome experience," said Robert Bishop, a 1989 PHS graduate and member of the '87-88 and '88-'89 teams. "When you're involved in academic decathlon, you become a very tight knit group. It was great to reunite with people that I haven't seen in years. Looking back at the history of the program makes me very proud to have been a part of it."

Former PHS principal Tom Hancock initiated the academic decathlon program at the school in 1984. Since that time, Pasadena High teams have advanced to the state competition 14 times, including this year. Other coaches who have also served over the years include Don Unfried, Jake Hinrichsen, Jerry Roberts, Marlane Sgro, Dianne Berreth, Darren Skyles and Jeff Spencer.

Golenko said certain teams over the years may have received more medals and trophies, but the success of the teams was measured in many other ways.

"Our greatest rewards came in seeing these students grow and mature as they worked to become the very best they could be against some of the very best young minds in Texas," she said. "Those truly are the overwhelming memories we take with us rather than a special win or number of medals."


Robert Bishop, member
of the 1988-89 Pasadena High academic decathlon team, hugs his former debate teacher Mary Green. Bishop was one of many alumni that attended a reunion of the PHS academic decathlon teams and the retirement party for retiring coach Jane Golenko.

 
Greg Monk, a member of the 1992-93 team and now a sales manager, said academic decathlon helped pave the way for his future in college at the University of Texas and in the business world.

"I cannot say enough about Mrs. Golenko," he said. "The things I learned from her and in academic decathlon are things that I carry with me today. They are both contributing factors in any success I have enjoyed."

Christine (McKelvy) Chapa said her academic decathlon has also left a lasting impression over the years. She was a member of the 1994-95 team.

"Ms. Sgro was one of my coaches that year and she continues to be one of the biggest influences in my life," Chapa said. "I will never forget her."

Golenko said that while she is looking forward to retirement, there are many fond memories.

"The long hours spent after school and on weekends with these students and co-coaches and the common goals they shared united the teams in a very special way," she said. "I will miss the camaraderie and close relationships that developed with the students and coaches over the years. These relationships are something that I will always cherish."