Local student to appear on Jeopardy

ENGLEWOOD, Ohio (WDTN) - Thursday was just another day of school for Northmont sophomore Tori Amos, until her A-P American History class was interrupted by family, friends and mentors.

"I would like to say congratulations to Tori Amos who is one of 15 people who will be playing for $75,000 on Jeopardy Teen Edition," announced David Jones, Tori's academic coach at Northmont.

With the good news still setting in, Tori slapped a high five with another student and then took a second to enjoy her success.

"I was just so excited," said Tori. "This is something I really, really wanted. I am just so happy to get this opportunity and to go on the show and try and win".
    
Earlier this year, Tori was one of 15,000 kids who took an online test for the game show.
    
She scored well enough to be invited to Chicago in September. That is where Tori interviewed, played a mock round of Jeopardy and took even more tests.

She was told someone would contact by the end of October and ever since, Tori's been keeping a close eye on the calendar.

"Especially last week," said Tori. "I was thinking, it's getting pretty late and there's only two weeks left in October".

That's why Tori's family said it has been so tough to keep the secret.

The show called her Dad, Duane, on Monday to break the good news. He said he thought it was another campaign call and almost didn't answer. "All the sudden she said "Hi, this is Maggie from Jeopardy," and I was like, "Yes!" said Duane.

Tori's parents, who are both teachers, said they couldn't be more proud.
    
A sentiment shared by her academic coach, David Jones, who said the next few weeks are going to be boot camp for Tori's brain.

"She came back from the interview and she said, "these are things I wasn't as good at and these are things they ask on Jeopardy all the time," said Jones. "We have three and a half weeks to prepare.  So, we're going to be going over it pretty heavy the next few weeks".

Mr. Jones said Tori's already shown that when she puts her mind to something, nothing is out of reach. That is why he is predicting Tori could take home the win, earning a $75,000 paycheck.

A lot of money for a 16 year old, but don't worry her parents already have plans. "College," they said in unison, with a smile.

Tori will be in California to test her Jeopardy knowledge at the end of November. Her episode will air the end of January. 2 NEWS will pass along the specific date when we know it.