UNC Student Competes, Wins on ‘Jeopardy!’

Stephanie Pierson, a junior history major at UNC originally from Macon, GA, made her second appearance on “Jeopardy!” Wednesday night.

Pierson first appeared on the show when she was in high school, and made her latest appearance as part of the show’s two-week High School Reunion Tournament. But she did more than just show up Wednesday; she won the game and advanced to the tournament’s semifinals.

The winner of the High School Reunion Tournament will earn a $100,000 prize and a spot on the show’s annual Tournament of Champions. The date of Pierson’s semifinal game is yet to be announced, but will be held next week.

“It’s just so different to go from watching on TV to being in the driver’s seat,” Pierson told UNC. “It’s just a lot to keep track of. You have to look at the buzzer. If you get a clue right, you have to pick the next clue. Then you have to think about wagering strategy and, ‘Oh wait. I’m in XYZ place. I need more money.’ You have to be really quick on your feet.

“It was 100 percent worth the experience,” she added. “The people you’re with make it so much fun. My mom came out, and just her getting to see my play live was a really rewarding experience.”

Pierson’s appearance wasn’t the only Chapel Hill connection with the famed quiz show recently. A clue on the February 21 episode featured UNC’s Morehead Planetarium, under the category “College Towns.”

Featured image via Jeopardy!

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