Sandersville & Tates Creek Win 2026 Superintendent’s Cup

Academic teams from Sandersville and Tates Creek elementaries prevailed in the 2026 Superintendent’s Cup, earning a dozen students a head start on college!

Academic Challenge is an Urban League of Lexington initiative in partnership with Fayette County Public Schools, Kentucky colleges, and community sponsors. Eligible schools can field multiple teams of four to six students who work together to answer a series of questions in various subject areas. The team with the most correct answers wins the contest. 

The March 14 regional champions advanced to the final showdown March 25 at the John D. Price Administration Building. “You guys put in a lot of hard work, and you are superstars,” said Carolyn Ford of the district’s Department of Family and Community Engagement. “Whether you came in first, second, or third – you are winners!” 

Primary Division (grades 2-3)

Winners of Midway University scholarships – Sandersville

• Graham Boian, Clara Cooper, Cameron Denny, Navya Dommeti, Gavin Kafle, and Jackson Proffitt

 

Runner-up: Brenda Cowan

• Ysabella Owusu Bamfo, Annabelle Bruot, Lila Crupper, Will Downing, Oliver Kelsey, and Conor Tai  

 

Third place: Northern

• Markus Brown II, Belvina Dimbu, Reina Ebu, Esther Eliakim, Mayson Hudson, and Mame Sarr

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Intermediate Division (grades 4-5)

Winners of Morehead State scholarships – Tates Creek

• Noah Clifford, Hayden Dunn, Ella Joo, Aaryan Kolekar, Skylar Reed, and Peyton Welch-Brown

 

Runner-up: Rise STEM Academy for Girls

• Victoria Brown, Charlie Gibson, Marley Murray, Lena Naito, Aleena Nasser, and Eliana Tamrakar

 

Third place: Russell Cave

• Abigail Fuentes, Ezekiel Luis, Daleyza Martinez, Victoria Martinez, Kaleth Rosales, and Bianca Servellon 

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On-Demand Writing

Individual students who earlier entered the separate, on-demand writing contest were rewarded as well. 

Winners of scholarships from Bluegrass Community & Technical College: 

• Leah Byaese, William Wells Brown
• Alisse Diaz Felix, Rise STEM Academy
• Sarah El Shaarawy, Lansdowne
• Kyliana Garr, Julius Marks
• Safari Mapendo, Harrison
• Precious McCray, Sandersville 

Before the awards presentations, Superintendent Demetrus Liggins thanked families and educators for supporting our students. Annissa Franklin of the Urban League echoed his thoughts, adding, “When parents show they care about academics, the kids perform better in the classroom.” 

Did You Know?

The Academic Challenge began in 2001 as a way to help make learning fun for elementary students. Five years later, college sponsors came on board. To date, the program has awarded over $3 million in scholarships!