Town high schools to compete in TV quiz show

Wednesday, 04 November 2009 13:59

Fairfield students from three town high schools will compete in the new season of “MSG Varsity’s The Challenge,” a TV quiz show.

Fairfield Ludlowe and Warde high schools and from Fairfield Preparatory School will field academic teams.

In all, the tournament will feature teams from 24 Connecticut high schools competing in television matches set to begin this month.

New this season is Jared Cotter, former FUSE TV host and a popular semi-finalist from American Idol.

Cotter will serve as moderator, asking competing high school teams questions based on their knowledge of history, arts and literature, current events, math and science.

“MSG Varsity is all about celebrating students and we’re thrilled to work hand-in-hand with students and schools to air programs like “The Challenge” that both resonate and inspire,” said Theresa Chillianis, MSG Varsity’s general manager.

“With new host Jared Cotter and a new home on MSG Varsity, this thirteenth season will be especially energized and exciting,” she added.

The award-winning high school quiz show is premiering on MSG Varsity, Cablevision’s new 24/7 television network dedicated to everything high school, with new episodes Sunday through Friday at 6:30 p.m. on Cablevision’s iO TV (Channel 14).

“The Challenge” features the best and brightest high school students across the tri-state area.

For the first time in the show’s history, viewers can watch the competition unfold in other regions. The Connecticut matches can be seen at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. “The Challenge” will repeat during the weekend on News 12 Connecticut at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

This season, 184 high schools will be participating with the goal of becoming the Tri-State Challenge Champion and winning $10,000 for their school and $500 for each team member competing in that final round.

Fans of the show can also visit a dedicated page on Facebook that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the actual studio tapings and offers visitors a chance to sound off, share their experiences and cheer on their high school team.

“The Challenge” is produced in partnership with Cablevision’s education initiative, Power to Learn. The show has received a Beacon Award, the industry’s highest award for public affairs excellence, as well as a New England Cable & Telecommunications (NECTA) Award for Public Service and Excellence in Cable Television.

For information on “The Challenge,” including standings, statistics and short contestant bios, visit powertolearn.com.