NCASA History.

The Inspiring Story of NCASA’s Beginnings

On a drive up to Asheville in early December of 2009, Leon Pfeiffer had an epiphany…. He needed to find a way to enrich the students in his home state of North Carolina. Leon thought of ways to provide a platform for students so that they would have the opportunity to reach their full academic potential. This idea is the spark that ignited NCASA (North Carolina Association for Scholastic Activities). 

So, who is Leon Pfeiffer? Leon had been an engineer at Flextronics in Morrisville, NC. After being laid off, and with this new idea, he was able to devote his time into creating the non-profit organization NCASA. NCASA provides activities that allow students to satisfy their psychological and social needs. NCASA provides a variety of interscholastic competitions that motivate students and teaches them sportsmanship and teamwork along the way. 

Mr. Pfeiffer had the support of many individuals as he began to create NCASA. Ginny Haynes, a principal at Andrews High School, was the first on board. Ginny, who is his sister-in-law, encouraged him to pursue this endeavor. The first interest meeting took place on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at NCSSM (North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics) in Durham, NC. Pfeiffer realized that night that his idea would have historical significance for the state of North Carolina and its students. The excitement was building!

Today, more than a decade after its beginnings, NCASA offers eight scholastic activities: Art Showcase, Quiz Bowl, The Quill, Twelve, Show Choir, Forensics, A Cappella, and Dance Ensemble. NCASA also partners with other competitions for students to participate in.

Let’s take a walk down ‘Memory Lane’ to see how NCASA has evolved.

Academic Year 2010-1011 

  • NCASA Introduces 3 competitions during its inaugural year: Twelve, The Quill, and Quiz Bowl
  • January - 1st interest meeting at NCSSM
  • April - Original by-laws were adopted
  • May - Pfeiffer receives support from State Superintendent June Atkinson and State Board of Education Chair Bill Harrison
  • May - Eric Grunden (Raleigh Charter HS) was elected the first President of NCASA and Leon Pfeiffer was elected to the position of Executive Director of NCASA
  • August - Pfeiffer and Grunden held a news conference in front of Raleigh Charter High School with many news outlets covering the story
  • December - First district competitions are held for the Twelve
  • February - The Quill competition is held at NC A&T and the event is won by Myers Park
  • March - State competition is held for the Twelve at NC A&T. Raleigh Charter won that competition
  • March - Quiz Bowl holds its inaugural event and the competition is won by The Early College at Guilford
  • May - A total of 42 schools participated in NCASA events in its inaugural year

Academic Year 2011-2012

  • A fourth competition was added: Show Choir. This development was led by Jeremy Tucker from Hunt High School. 
  • School enrollment jumped to 77 schools in NCASA’s second year
  • Jason Kline was elected the new NCASA President

Academic Year 2012-2013

  • A fifth competition was added to the list of NCASA events: Art Showcase
  • NCASA opened up their events to middle schools
  • 127 member schools
  • Pfeiffer’s position as Executive Director becomes full time
  • Time Warner Cable becomes a sponsor

Academic Year 2013-2014

  • A sixth competition was added: Middle School Forensics
  • Joe Childers was elected President of NCASA
  • NCSSM sponsored the Challenge Cup 
  • 166 member schools

Academic Year 2014-2015

  • Weekly Quiz Bowl meets were added
  • Both Middle and High Schools were separated into two enrollment divisions

Academic Year 2015-2016

  • Two new competitions are added: Dance and A Cappella

Academic Year 2016-2017

  • Trish Ramos was elected President

Academic Year 2017-2018

  • 283 Member Schools competed this year

Academic Year 2018-2019

  • Chip Cathey was elected President
  • NCASA Board voted to approve the new North Carolina Showcase event
  • Metrolina Printing became a major sponsor

Academic Year 2019-2020

  • Once COVID hit in March, all competitions were shut down for the year
  • Gary Hales elected President

Academic Year 2020-2021

  • Most competitions were held virtually

Academic Year 2021-2022

  • The Metrolina Printing North Carolina Showcase was presented at UNCG
  • Chip Cathey was elected President

Academic Year 2022-2023

  • Jeff James, Superintendent of Iredell-Statesville School District, is elected President
  • Jeff James recruits many new sponsors, including HES and ESS
  • Showcase is moved to Statesville

Academic Year 2023-2024

  • Leon Pfeiffer announces that he will be retiring in January 2025.