18th Panasonic Academic Challenge
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Jun 16 - 23, 2005

This is my 8th year as a tournament official at the Panasonic Academic Challenge.
Thu Jun 16 We drove drive down to the Contemporary Resort and had dinner at the California Grill. Sal and Kate flew down from Philadelphia and joined us, later in the evening.  We had planned to return to the CG for them to dine as well, -- but no!  They arrived after it had closed
Fri Jun 17 This was the Dreaded Day.  Tom spent the day reading and debating the answers to 6 rounds of questions. Lyd, Sal and Kate played in the Magic Kingdom.  Dinner was at Narcoossee's at 7.
Sat Jun 18 This was a travel day for the competition teams. Tom worked on the world language videos with the rest of the staff and then played in the parks with family. Dinner was at Artist Point at 7, so Kate and Sal could do Illuminations at EPCOT
Sun Jun 19 Rounds 1 & 2 were completed. Tom reading questions in Fantasia PQ. L, S, & K enjoyed non-park day by the pool. Dinner was at the California Grill at 6:30
Mon Jun 20 Tom was a Coordinating judge in Rounds 3 & 4, the consolation rounds, in Fantasia KL. Dinner was at Jiko in the Animal Kingdom Lodge at 6.
Tue Jun 21 Tom read in Fantasia PQ in the semifinal round and then operated the electronic scoreboard he designed in the National Finals, won by Virginia in a three-peat.  Dinner was at the California Grill, shortly after 6.
Wed Jun 22 Epilogue: We skipped the Disney Magical Express and drove Sal and Kate to the Orlando airport to return to Philadelphia. Tom and Lydia then drove back to Jacksonville.