CHEST Guidelines-Academic-Decathlon

Academic-Decathlon_chest

Pdf Summary

The poem "Academic Decathlon" by Robin Scofield honors the memory of David, an 18-year-old who succumbed to Ewing sarcoma. The narrative reveals David's journey from diagnosis, through treatments in New York, to the resumption of his life despite the grim prognosis. David underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, losing his hair in the process; yet, he continued to pursue his passion for music, playing guitar and producing CDs with his band, The Fedoras. His resilience shone through as he graduated with honors, winning a full scholarship and sharing a speech about inner strength and hope.<br /><br />As his health declined, David's determination did not waver. Faced with obstacles—a Battle of the Bands refusal—David’s mindset was resolute: not to waste time but to seek other opportunities. Though his health worsened, and the family knew his fate by May, he delayed his hospital return until September, missing his college start to undergo further treatment.<br /><br />Robin Scofield, reflecting on her son’s friendship with David, captures a poignant moment of loss as David's death gathers the Academic Decathlon team for his funeral. Rather than compete or debate, they stood in reflective acknowledgment of life’s fragility, pledging to keep David’s memory alive. The poem underscores themes of perseverance and the impact one individual's courage can have on a collective group, highlighting David’s lasting legacy among his peers even as he advanced to a new, ethereal "level," leaving friends and family grounded in their shared grief and remembrance.

Keywords

Academic Decathlon

Robin Scofield

David

Ewing sarcoma

resilience

music

The Fedoras

perseverance

legacy

friendship