Whiz Quiz

Weeknights at 7:30 PM on WPBS-TV

Whiz Quiz is a local TV program produced by WPBS-TV in Watertown, New York. Hosted by Joleene DesRosiers, this quiz bowl-style tournament invites over 30 high-schools from across the North Country and Canada to participate and compete for a scholarship prize. The program debuted in 1980, and has been on the air for over 40 years.

Competing high school students from both sides of the border showcase their knowledge in areas like Math, Geography, Literature, and the Arts. This trivia competition is a single-elimination format and the winning team takes home the Glenn Gough Honorary Scholarship.

Watch the Season 43 Preview HERE.


About the Host

Joleene DesRosiers became the host of Whiz Quiz in 2019. With over twenty years’ experience as an award-winning reporter, anchor, television personality, and film and television producer, she eagerly took the role on. The dynamic of the long-running show changed thanks to her quick wit and big personality. Outside of her work at WPBS, Joleene is also an independent screenwriter. When she’s not writing scripts or throwing out questions to students, she’s a Mom to her incredible daughter Madison-Mae and two fat, short-legged fur babies.


Competing Schools

Current Bracket


Recent Matches

To view more Whiz Quiz episodes, visit: watch.wpbstv.org/show/whiz-quiz-us-matches

2023 International Match – Potsdam vs. Frontenac
2023 Championship Match – Potsdam vs. Thousand Islands

Current Champions

WPBS-TV has completed production of the 43rd season of local TV program Whiz Quiz, and is pleased to announce the 2023 Whiz Quiz Champion: Potsdam Central School from Potsdam, New York and the 2023 International Winner: Frontenac Secondary School from Kingston, Ontario. Read the press release here.

 


Sponsors

We are so thankful to our sponsors who continue to make this program possible.

Production funding for Whiz Quiz is provided by Jefferson-Lewis BOCES, St. Lawrence Lewis BOCES, Samaritan Medical Center, and Laura Whitney-State Farm Insurance.

Scholarships for winning Whiz Quiz teams are provided in part by National Grid, EDF Renewables, Stewarts Shops, The Sunrise and Noon Rotary Clubs of Watertown, the Antwerp Masonic Lodge #226, and the Philadelphia Masonic Lodge #916.

Additional support provided by Jefferson Community College and Dunkin’ Donuts.


Participation

If your school is located in the Northern New York or Eastern Ontario region and would like more information on participating in Whiz Quiz, please contact: jkeegan@wpbstv.org.

If you are a retired teacher or have experience in education and would like to apply to become a Volunteer Whiz Quiz Judge, please fill out the application form here.

 


Behind the Scenes

Take a peek at the WPBS production crew setting up and filming Whiz Quiz with some behind the scenes photos here.