A Different Kind of Team
Not every team wears a jersey. At St. Mark High School, the ‘Reach for the Top’ team is proving that competition can look different and still matter just as much. It is fast-paced, it is challenging, and it is built on knowledge, quick thinking, and teamwork.
What Reach for the Top Looks Like
‘Reach for the Top’ is a Canadian academic competition that brings together subjects like history, science, literature, geography, and current events. Students compete by answering questions individually and as a team. It moves quickly and demands focus, confidence, and trust in one another.
A Place to Belong
The team in 2023, French teacher Britney Castleman started with six students. What started as a small group has grown into something much bigger. Today, more than 35 students are part of the team. They meet in person each week for three hours. No one is reminding them to attend. They show up because they want to be there.
This is what belonging looks like. Students who may not always see themselves in traditional sports find their place here. They build friendships, support one another, and grow together. This is Be Community in action.
Reaching New Milestones
This year, the senior team is heading to provincials for the first time. Grade 11 and 12 students will compete at the University of Toronto Scarborough from May 1 to 3.
The intermediate team continues to raise the bar. They are heading to nationals in Moncton for the fourth year in a row. With limited teams at their grade level, they often compete against older students and still hold their own. In many cases, they outperform them. That experience builds real confidence.
Always Learning, Always Growing
The intermediate team is also preparing for the History Bowl in Ottawa. It is another opportunity to challenge themselves and deepen their learning.
This is what learning looks like when students are engaged. They think critically, work together, and build confidence in what they know and what they can do.
More Than Winning
There is a strong focus on growth. Students learn that losing is part of the experience and that how you respond matters. They support one another, celebrate success, and compete with respect.
Opening Doors for Students
As the season continues, so does their growth. Confidence builds. Friendships deepen. Students begin to see what they are capable of.
When students are given the opportunity to be part of something meaningful, they rise to it.
