The Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) will hold its annual competition for high school students April 18 at the Montgomery College campus in Rockville. Students will get the chance to illustrate their talents in five categories: sciences, humanities, performing arts, visual arts and business.

Senior Shelby Sykes, who entered in the vocal/classical category and performed “Summertime” from the opera Porgy and Bess,” heard about the program from CHS alumnus Matt Daley, who suggested that she audition. 

“I am extremely happy that I have done and am doing ACT-SO,” Sykes said.  “It has expanded my mind and I am now able to see other crafts.”

This program can be found in schools nationwide, and with the help of assistant principal Edward Reed, many of CHS’ finest students have participated in the program. 

According to the ACT-SO fact sheet, students enter into the program in September and conduct mentoring and local enrichment programs in preparation for the local competition in April, where the pupils showcase their talent in their respective category.

“I won for my category and received a gold medal,” Sykes said.  “I got to go to Nationals in New York.”

Students only make it to the National competition if they have won the gold at the local competition. 

Several other CHS students, including sophomore Joshua Coyne, have entered into the competition hoping to represent CHS.  Coyne plays the violin and has already won gold in the past.

ACT-SO was established in 1978 by author and journalist Vernon Jarrett with support from the NAACP to help African Americans express their scholastic and artistic talents.