Roberts Alumna Set to Appear on Jeopardy!
For Sarah Michel '14 (Music), appearing on Jeopardy! is a dream more than two decades in the making. After years of determination, preparation, and patience, on June 23, the Roberts Wesleyan University alumna will make her debut on America's favorite quiz show.
Michel first set her sights on competing on Jeopardy! when she was just 11 years old. Inspired by the show's challenging trivia and iconic champions, she began taking every contestant test she was eligible for, from the Kids Week and Teen Tournament tests to the college contestant test during her years at Roberts.
"I remember staying up until almost midnight in my college dorm lounge in hopes that I would make it on the show," Sarah recalled.
For years, she took the test and never received a callback. Still, she kept trying.
That persistence finally paid off in August 2024, when Sarah received an email inviting her to advance to a second round of online testing and, eventually, live virtual auditions. After successfully completing the process, she earned a coveted spot in the contestant pool, a two-year window during which contestants may be selected for the show, though no appearance is guaranteed.
In March, she finally got the call. While at work, she received a voicemail from a producer at Jeopardy! asking about her availability for an upcoming taping.
"It was finally happening."
Over the following weeks, Sarah prepared for the experience by studying game strategy, practicing buzzer timing, and learning from former contestants. She traveled to Los Angeles in April for taping, where she joined a group of contestants who shared her passion for knowledge and competition.
While she can't reveal the outcome before her appearance airs, Sarah says the experience itself was unforgettable. Before a single clue is revealed, Sarah's persistence has already made her story worth celebrating.
Sarah Michel with Jeopardy! host, Ken Jennings
"Eleven-year-old Sarah, who watched Ken Jennings' original win streak almost every night, would have absolutely lost her mind to think that 22 years later she would finally get to compete."
The Roberts community will be cheering Sarah on when she appears on Jeopardy! on June 23. Remember to tune in!
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About the author
Roberts Wesleyan University
As a community of learners committed to historic Christianity, Roberts Wesleyan University seeks to prepare thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented people who will help transform society.
We are a private Christian university in Rochester, New York, offering over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs.
As the only NCAA Division II institution in the region and member of the East Coast Conference, Roberts is committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and competitive athletics.