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Carl Hayden students go head-to-head, win quiz show

Carl Hayden High School emerged victorious from their first battle on Brainstorm, the new TV quiz show aimed at Arizona high school students airing on Cox Communications.

Carl Hayden beat out Phoenix Christian and Saguaro high schools.

The three-member team is comprised of senior Sergio Ramirez, sophomore Saul Osuna and senior Adam Birch.

Sergio and Saul are both honor students and members of the Academic Decathlon team. Sergio is first generation and will be attending college this summer.

The show started taping in January, with episodes airing through May 16. Students compete by answering difficult questions based on a standard high school curriculum. It gives students the opportunity to showcase their academic prowess statewide.

If their winning score places the team in the top nine, they will go on to the semifinal round. Their first-round victory will be broadcast on Cox 7, at 6:30 p.m. March 28, and replay 6 p.m. March 30, and 4 p.m. March 31.

Coach Eida Rodriguez, math teacher and academic decathlon coach, said this win sends a positive message to students.

"I've always known we can compete if given the chance," she says. "It just takes time to study. It lets them know they can compete with anyone and go on to college and compete with the real world."