The Union Springs Central School District has a bunch of masterminds in its midst.

On Monday, the board of education approved the formation of a MasterMinds Club, an organization in which high school students engage in academic competitions with local schools.

In the coming months, between 15 and 25 Union Springs students will go up against students from the Jordan-Elbridge Central School District, Port Byron Central School District and Southern Cayuga Central School District in a College Bowl-like competition, Union Springs Middle/High School Principal Kimberle Ward said.

During the competitions, students will be asked questions on numerous subjects - this year designed, at least in part, by Cornell University - and buzz in when they know the answer.

“I think for me, it allows for students that may not necessarily shine on the athletic field or court to shine through their academic strengths,” she said. “I certainly see it as teamwork, and those are the skills they are going to need in the global world to be good employees and employers.”

MasterMinds began in 1993 in the Rochester area with a mere 25 schools and has grown through the Monroe No. 2-Orleans Board of Cooperative Educational Services, Capital District BOCES and now through central New York in the 15 years since.

Union Springs jumped on board last year with just five people participating, Ward said. But the excitement about the program has brewed inside the school so much that in one year's time, the MasterMinds team at least tripled in size.

She would love to see all area schools offer MasterMinds, but is also mindful of the current economic situation many are facing.

“Financially, we don't know how supportive other schools are going to be or how much longer we can be supportive,” Ward said. “But while we can, we are going to offer this to our students because we feel it's that beneficial and a good opportunity for students to keep on top of their academic strengths.”

But more than that, she views the organization as a chance for students to create a large social network while adding another fresh opportunity for the student body.

“We like to have kids involved outside the classroom and this is another venue to reach their specific interests or add interests for students that wouldn't necessarily compete in athletics or participate in music or drama,” she said. “So the more diverse we can make these venues, the better it is for our students.”

Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 239 or alyssa.sunkin@lee.net