The Pasadena High contingent celebrates with World Scholar's Cup founder Daniel Berdichevsky (center). Eduardo Aleman and Pedro Reyes are on the left with sponsor Tricia Anderson and Alondra Serna on the right.

  Three Pasadena High students teamed up for a seventh-place finish last month at the World Scholar's Cup, an academics competition featuring more than 300 teams and 1,000 students from around the world.
  The Pasadena team of Eduardo Aleman, Pedro Reyes and Alondra Serna received special permission from the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees to travel to Bangkok, Thailand, for the competition.
  Pasadena High was ranked as the top seed in the tournament based upon the team's score in Houston area competition last spring.
  The team participated in four competitive events: Persuasive Writing, Scholar's Challenge, Team Debate and Scholar's Bowl. The event also featured social events such as a ball and A talent show.
  Aleman emerged as the Eagles' top scorer. He was among six students chosen to participate in the Debate Showcase, featuring debaters recommended by the judges in competition the previous day.
  Serna earned a bronze medal in the art competition and took third in the Scholar's Challenge.
  Reyes earned honorable mention in art, current affairs and science. Aleman earned honorable mention in literature and Serna in science.
  "The team would like to thank (Pasadena ISD Superintendent) Dr. (Kirk) Lewis and all of our supporters for what was truly an experience of a lifetime." said Tricia Anderson, the school's Scholar's Cup sponsor.

Taking in the sights and sounds of Bangkok: (top left) Aleman, Reyes and Serna ride a ferry boat on the Chao Phayra River; (top right) Attending a celebration dinner are Aleman, tournament director Zac Ellington, Berdichevsky, Reyes, Serna and Anderson; (bottom left) Reyes, Serna, Anderson and Aleman at the Grand Palace in Bangkok; (bottom right) Aleman, Reyes and Serna pose with the competition banner.