Westover Comprehensive High School has achieved a significant milestone by earning its first-ever invitation to the United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) Online National Competition.

The USAD is a prestigious team-based academic competition that emphasizes excellence across a wide range of subjects, including art, economics, language and literature, mathematics, music, science, social science, essay, interview, and speech. Each year, these subjects are integrated into a central theme, with the 2024–2025 theme being "Our Changing Climate."

Westover's journey began with a commanding performance at the district's Academic Decathlon competition, where they emerged as overall winners, earning the opportunity to represent the district at the state competition. At the state level, their exceptional performance secured them the Large School Online Representative Award, granting them the opportunity to compete in the National Academic Decathlon Online Competition later this school year.

Coach Pamela Heard, who returned from retirement to lead the team, expressed immense pride in the students' dedication and hard work. Reflecting on the season, Coach Heard remarked, "This season has been incredible because it is the first time we have achieved national-level participation. Earning a national qualifier spot is a testament to the team's effort. I'm proud to have played a small part in bringing our team to this point."

The team's commitment to excellence was further demonstrated by their performance in the Super Quiz competition, where they secured the 2nd Runner-up position. Coach Heard's mantra of self-regulation and consistent study habits resonated with the team, leading to this remarkable achievement. She often encouraged her students by saying, "Y'all must study when I'm not looking, just like athletes who regularly practice, working their muscles and pushing their bodies to new lengths. Y'all must stretch your brain muscles to new lengths, too. Y'all are brain athletes."

The USAD Online National Competition is scheduled as follows:

- Practice Sessions: April 10–16, 2025

- Art, Essay, Interview, and Literature Tests: April 17, 2025

- Economics, Mathematics, Music, Science, Social Science, and Super Quiz Tests: May 2, 2025