Bellevue students don’t have to be athletes to win a trophy. Some children may be champion spellers or mathematicians, for example.

This Friday, Sept. 30, the Parent Teacher Student Association of the Bellevue Elementary School District will let those students shine at the kick off for its annual academic challenge today for students in K-5 at Clyde Hill Elementary, Spiritridge Elementary and Puesta Del Sol Elementary.

Hundreds of students will undergo exercises in math, art, science, social studies, keyboarding and reading to win trophies and ribbons. To complete the 8-hour math component of the challenge, students can access Math-Whizz, an online, interactive math tutoring program created by Whizz Education.

“I love the idea that kids who might not excel in sports, but shine in math or reading can win a trophy,” said Marlene Dugan of the PTSA, who orchestrated the event. “Students can feel a sense of pride and have fun in the process.”

As part of the Academic Challenge, students earn ribbons for each challenge they complete and a trophy for completing four challenges. Students who conquer all six challenges will receive a special “Principal’s Challenge Medal.”

In June, principals of each school will present the awards at a school assembly. Students have until end of April to complete the challenges.