Student scholars from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in a February 21 qualifying tournament for the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), a premier academic competition for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The event, hosted by the University of the District of Columbia, will determine which institutions advance to the 2026 HCASC National Championship Tournament.
The qualifying rounds involve rapid-fire buzzer matches that test students’ knowledge across a wide range of subjects, including history, science, literature, religion, the arts and pop culture. Teams compete for a spot in next year’s national championship, where the winning institution will receive a $100,000 grant.
NCCU’s varsity team includes four students selected for their strong academic performance and competitive drive:
- Ronni Butts (captain) from Charlotte, junior majoring in political science,
- Chantel Chestnutt from Goldsboro, junior majoring in history and political science,
- Alena Dockery from Youngsville, junior majoring in political science,
- Jadzia “Z” Kowalczyk from Garner, freshman majoring in art,
“HCASC is a true test of talent, determination and teamwork,” said Butts. “NCCU’s varsity team is made up of some of the brightest women at NCCU. I know we’re ready.”
In addition to its varsity squad, NCCU fields a roster of 11 students who support training efforts and contribute to the program’s competitive depth. Four of those students will compete as a junior varsity team. The roster includes Sadie Allen, Evan Bailey, Isaiah Baptist, J Micah Johnson, Ember Jones, Marissa Jones, Genayah King, Millai McGee, Amiyah Neal, Vashti Pearson, and Iman Shakur.
The program is led by head coach Clayton C. Mack, Jr., with support from faculty advisor Janice S. Dargan, Ph.D. and assistant coach Teah R. Smith.
Founded in 1989, the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is one of Honda’s longest running philanthropic initiatives in the United States. Over the past three decades, the company has provided more than $9 million in grants to support scholarships, facility upgrades and student programs at HBCUs.
More information about HCASC is available at www.hcasc.com.