LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The 2014 Lake County College-Going Initiative Academic Decathlon is about three months away, and the county's teams are in the midst of preparing for the competition in hopes of going to the state event.

The topic of the 2014 Academic Decathlon, which takes place in February, is World War I.

Students received their World War I curriculum in early summer, including the novel “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, 20 students from Kelseyville, Upper Lake and Clear Lake Highs participated in a special workshop with Dr. Harry Lyons of Yuba College.

The workshop focused on genetics, which is a key component of this year's science curriculum.

The energetic Lyons stayed true to form with engaging lessons mixed with humor and relevance.

Hands-on activities included simulated blood typing and learning about human genetic traits, such as why some can roll their tongue and others have dimples.

This event was offered free to the decathletes. The workshop was arranged by the Lake County Office of Education with instructional and planning time donated by Dr. Lyons.

For more information on the Academic Decathlon and how you can help with workshops or be a judge for speech or interviews, please contact Tammy Serpa at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .