Granada Hills Charter High School wins the 2016 U.S. Academic Decathlon

GRANADA HILLS, Calif. (FOX 11 / CNS) - For the fifth time in six years Granada hills charter high school reigns supreme at the National Academic Decathlon.

The 9 student team beat out 68 other schools in California to make it to the three day national competition in Alaska.

Team member Baani Dhanoa says "the theme this year was India and we had to know math and science but also music arts culture."

They competed in 7 multiple choice tests 2 performance events and an essay.

To prepare for the competition, students studied for twelve hours a day leading up to a chance at the national title.

The journey to victory wasn't always easy.

Coach Mathew Arnold says "in November this team was in 4th place. They worked really hard to win and it speaks volumes about their resolve."

Team members say they learned much more than just facts and figures but also major life lessons.

Decathlete Mayeena Ulkarim says, "I learned a lot about confidence I thought I could just study and work hard but if I didn't believe in myself it wouldn't show and I learned to trust in myself and preparation."

Her father Mahmud Ulkarim was beaming at the school's pep rally honoring the students saying "I'm so proud we don't have this opportunity in the third world country where I'm from. This is a dream."

What Mayeena says she'll always remember about the experience, "my speech coach said to be undeniable. And when I went out there and did my speeches and interviews I truly felt undeniable. It felt amazing."

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