Ellsworth High music teacher to appear on ‘Jeopardy!’
Ellsworth High School Music Teacher to Face Off on “Jeopardy!”
Ellsworth, Maine – On Monday night, ABC will host a new episode of the classic quiz show Jeopardy!, and one of the contestants will be a familiar face to students and staff at Ellsworth High School. Jamie Calandro, the school’s music teacher, will take the iconic podium in what the school described as “a proud moment for our community.”
The school’s announcement appeared on its social‑media page on Tuesday, inviting the local community to “cheer on Mr. Calandro as he steps up to the iconic podium alongside host Ken Jennings.” The episode will air at 7:30 p.m., offering a chance for viewers to root for a neighbor and educator.
Calandro, who has taught music for the past decade at Ellsworth High, expressed excitement about the opportunity. “It’s a thrill to represent my students and school on a national stage,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
The episode, scheduled for Monday, will see Calandro face the same high‑stakes buzzer competition that has produced champions and occasional celebrities. While he has not yet earned a title, the show’s history suggests that even a single appearance can be a memorable experience.
Maine has produced several Jeopardy! champions in recent years. Last month, Emily Burnham—an alumna of the University of Maine and former editor of the Bangor Daily News—took the podium and emerged victorious. In 2024, former Portland Press Herald reporter Jason Singer claimed two consecutive championships, winning back‑to‑back episodes aired the previous year. Their successes underscore the state’s knack for producing quick‑think competitors.
Ellsworth High’s social media post not only celebrated Calandro’s invitation but also highlighted the broader connection between the school and the state’s Jeopardy! legacy. “Our students see themselves in these moments,” said a spokesperson for the school. “Whether it’s music, writing, or trivia, we’re proud of the breadth of talent here.”
With the show’s broadcast scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on ABC, teachers, parents, and local residents alike are encouraged to tune in and support their own. Whether Calandro will claim the coveted trophy remains to be seen, but the enthusiasm generated by the announcement suggests that the entire town will be watching with interest.
