The big reveal

We are moments away from the reveal of the top 8 teams. Who will be eliminated and who will advance? EEEEEK!

Thanks, Coordinators

Brenda Shuler (CT), Gwen Worlds (FL), Kathleen Belanger (NH)

Our wonderful LifeSmarts state partners organize and implement LifeSmarts at the state level -- which includes marketing and promoting LifeSmarts in their states, serving as the local contact for their state's coaches, and planning and conducting the annual in-person state LifeSmarts competition -- and many of them travel to the national championship to help serve as officials and root for their teams.

LifeSmarts Coordinators do so much for us. Thanks, you guys!

Thank you, Coordinators!

Awesome alumni getting in on the action

They just can't say goodbye -- and we are so grateful for it! Former LifeSmarts super stars Evan, from Kansas, and Hafsa, from Connecticut, lent us their valuable time at the 2012 National LifeSmarts Championship, snapping photos, tweeting scores, and making the LifeSmarts staff work room a funner -- and funnier -- place to be.

Thanks, you guys!

Evan, whipping up some magic tweets.

Hafsa, second from left, with this year's Connecticut state champs.

Vote for your favorite shirt!

Make sure to vote for your favorite tshirt for the People's Choice award. Ballots are available at registration and the deadline is noon Monday!

Arizona team 'having a blast'

Send us your photos!

Making new friends, reconnecting with old ones, and capturing memories at the 2012 National LifeSmarts Championship? Be sure to share your best pictures with us! Post them on our Facebook page, or email them to media@nclnet.org so we can share the LifeSmarts love!

Shout out to LifeSmarts sponsors

The LifeSmarts program wouldn't be possible without generous contributions from all our sponsors. The 2012 LifeSmarts National Championship is sponsored by:

Underwriter
Visa

Lead Sponsor
Western Union

LifeSmarts Champion
American Century Investments Foundation
Google

Team Builder
McNeil Consumer Healthcare
Toyota Financial Services

Question Master
Bridgestone Retail Operations
Experian

Expert
American Express
CBM Credit Education Foundation

Scorekeeper
Underwriters Laboratories

Day One standings

Team photo gallery live!

Our masterful photographer Eddie has captured everyone's good sides, and this year's lineup of state champion photos is now live! Check your gorgeous self and your teammates (and opponents) out over here in our Facebook photo gallery -- and be sure to tag yourself!

Meet the PA host team

"We're from Dallas -- that's PA, not Texas," said Pennsylvania team captain Decklan Cerza at the coach and captain orientation Saturday night. The PA team from Dallas High School in the north east part of the state (near Scranton, for fans of NBC's The Office) made a short 2.5-hour drive to get to Philadelphia for the 2012 event. Other state champions came from as far as Honolulu, Hawaii!

Thanks for having us, PA! Wonder where we'll be in 2013 ... ?

What's at stake in 2012

LifeSmarts Program Director Lisa Hertzberg shows off this year's top trophy.

Exciting prizes and scholarships are on the line this year at the 2012 National LifeSmarts Championship in Philadelphia! Check this out -- and good luck to all!

First place team - each member receives:

$2,200 in scholarships from Visa, Toyota Financial Services, and Underwriters Laboratories

Gift cards valued at $200

Coach: $1,000 educational grant, gift cards worth more than $100, and a sweet treat gift pack

Second place team - each member receives:

$1,000 in scholarships

Coach: gift cards worth more than $100, and a sweet treat gift pack

Two third place teams - each member receives:

$550 in scholarships

Coach: gift cards worth more than $100, and a sweet treat gift pack

Four fourth place teams - each member receives:

$200 in scholarships 

Coach: gift cards worth more than $100

Topic champions and coach, student, and coordinator of the year each receive fabulous prizes as well!