The Punahou School Academic Decathlon team closed out the 2025 – 2026 season in Garden Grove, California, joining 680 competitors from 30 states in a national celebration of scholarship, discipline and teamwork.
Punahou students delivered an exceptional performance across divisions. In the Honors division, Audrey Wee ’28 earned a silver medal in interview, while Travis Duraman ’28 captured bronze in essay and gold in mathematics. In the Scholastic division, Elizabeth “Liz” Chee ’26 continued her standout run with bronze medals in essay and interview and a gold in speech, her second consecutive national title in the event. Wes Yamaguchi ’26 earned a silver overall medal for his division, a distinction made even more notable by his consistent performance across all ten subjects rather than a single standout event. His achievement also included scholarship recognition.
Academic Decathlon is an academic competition covering 10 subjects: literature, science, math, economics, art, music, social studies, a written essay, a prepared speech and an interview. Each year’s curriculum is unified by a central theme; this season explored the “Roaring 20s,” while next year’s focus will shift to “Journeys of Transformation,” including elements of Polynesian voyaging.
Led by coach Wyeth Collo, Academy Science teacher and co-coach Angla Kung, Academy Math teacher, who has supported the team across all four national appearances, Punahou has now represented Hawai‘i at the national level for four consecutive years.
Mahalo to the students for their dedication and to the families, teachers and supporters who continue to uplift the team’s journey.