A. Purpose of the League
The New Orleans Academic Games League (NOAGL) provides academic competition for students in elementary, middle, and high schools. Participants are motivated to improve their skills in mathematics, language arts, and social studies and receive recognition for their achievements.
B. Formation of the League
The first academic games tournament in New Orleans took place during the Christmas holidays of 1966-7 at Mount Carmel Academy. A team from Mount Carmel had participated in the first national academic games tournament in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the previous spring and taught the game of Equations to students and teachers from other New Orleans schools that fall. The Christmas tournament, in addition to Equations, included the game of Propaganda. The New Orleans Equations League was formed in 1967 by Brother Neal Golden and other teachers whose students had participated in the tournament. The charter members were all Catholic high schools.
C. History of the League
The league expanded to include public schools in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes, as well as elementary and middle schools. Over the years the games of On-Sets and Presidents were added to the schedule to provide a well-rounded program. When the large size of the league caused travel and coordination problems, the Jefferson Parish League was formed as an offshoot in 1975.
D. Composition of the League
NOAGL includes public and private schools in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes. Unlike athletic associations, NOAGL makes no distinctions concerning size of schools. Students play against all other contestants ente"red" for their grade level of competition.
E. Games Played
Subject Area Games
Mathematics: Equations and On-Sets
Language Arts: Propaganda
Social Studies: Presidents
F. Levels of Play
Division Grades
Elementary: Grade 6 and below
Middle: Grade 8 and below
Junior: Grade 10 and below
Senior: Grade 12 and below
Contact: Brother Neal Golden, Brother Martin High School
bngolden1@cox.net
