2. Orange County Academic Decathlon The Valencia High School Academic Decathlon team received a $3,000 check and a trophy after taking first prize in the Overall Team Award at the 2012 Orange County Academic Decathlon on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Orange Coast College. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

3. Orange County Academic Decathlon CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER La Quinta High School Academic Decathlon team members stand onstage after winning first place in the Overall Team Award for Division II at the 2012 Orange County Academic Decathlon on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Orange Coast College.

4. Orange County Academic Decathlon CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER Cheers go out for Westminster High School's Academic Decathlon team, which won second place in the Overall Team Award at the 2012 Orange County Academic Decathlon on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Orange Coast College.

5. Orange County Academic Decathlon CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER Valencia High School students pose with a $3,000 check and a trophy after taking first place in the Overall Team Award at the 2012 Orange County Academic Decathlon on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Orange Coast College.

6. Orange County Academic Decathlon CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER Co-Master of Ceremonies Judy Weightman announces the winners in the 2012 Orange County Academic Decathlon on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Orange Coast College.

7. Orange County Academic Decathlon CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER Co-Master of Ceremonies Debbie Morgan applauds as students take the stage to receive medals in the 2012 Orange County Academic Decathlon on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Orange Coast College.

8. Orange County Academic Decathlon CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER The Valencia High School Academic Decathlon team heads toward the stage to receive its first-place prize in the Overall Team Award at the 2012 Orange County Academic Decathlon on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Orange Coast College.