Student Hosts Set to Shine at Academic League Playoffs

The next Ryan Seacrest or Erin Andrews just might be a sophomore student in San Diego County. Uma Onwuchekwa and Kaylynne Jencks-Tuberg will take center stage as host and reporter, respectively, at the upcoming regional Academic League playoffs. The two semifinals and championship round take place May 19-21, with the matches broadcast at 6 p.m. each night via iTV livestream. 

The Academic League is a fast-paced, team-based take on Jeopardy! High schools across the county battle it out within four competitive regional leagues. The top team from each league advances to the playoffs, and the winners go head-to-head until a San Diego County champion is crowned. The student host opportunities underscore the San Diego County Office of Education’s commitment to providing transformational opportunities through this internship where they practice hands-on career skills in an area of interest. 

Uma, representing Kearny High School (San Diego Unified), assumes host duties this year. For both semifinals and the championship, Uma will serve as emcee, which includes kicking off the broadcast, introducing the coaches and teams, passing to Kaylynne for interviews, and closing the show. 

Uma auditioned for the role because he wants to show what young people are capable of, and serve as a role model - especially within historically underserved communities. He admits to being nervous, but is preparing through prayer, meditation, and multiple rehearsal sessions. Though Uma’s part of an engineering program at Kearny, he’s not ruling out a future in media or journalism. He has experience recording and editing his own videos, and is excited to participate in such a professional production. 

Kaylynne, from Steele Canyon High School in Spring Valley, slots into the reporter role, a new feature this year. During the championship, she’ll hang backstage and interview parents and other audience members during timeouts.   

Kaylynne heard about the part from her media teacher and jumped at the opportunity to audition. She’s involved in theater and dance performances and loves being in front of the camera. As reporter, Kaylynne’s looking forward to the experience she’ll gain. Though she too is feeling a few butterflies, Kaylynne will rely on rehearsals and support from her family to be prepared. She’s interested in exploring a career in media or journalism, and looks forward to travel opportunities that may come in a reporter role. 

At a recent rehearsal at the iTV studio, Uma and Kaylynne worked with the production team on the script, positioning and camera angles, working with microphones and other equipment, and their interactions. They both appear poised and ready for the moment the lights come on and the director calls out, “Action!” 

For a preview, check out the promos they recorded for iTV and SDCOE social media channels. 

Academic League Playoffs Schedule: