Reach for the top archives

Before Alex Trebek became the Guinness World Record holder as the longest-running game show host on TV for “Jeopardy,” he had a hosting stint on “Reach For The Top.”

The Canadian quiz show for high school students aired on CBC from 1966 to 1984 and was later revived on Ontario’s TVO from 2001 to 2009.

With local versions airing around the country, the Toronto-based “Reach For The Top” featured five hosts (Warren Davis, Jan Tennant, Bob Karstens and Sharon Dunn) during its 18-year run with Sudbury, Ontario’s Trebek taking his turn as Quizmaster from 1966 to 1973.

Although no longer on the air, “Reach For The Top” continues today as an academic quiz competition for high school students around the country.

There is also the Reach For the Top Foundation, which presents bursaries to students each year at the National Finals. 

It is estimated that up to 150,000 students have participated in the competitions over “Reach For The Top’s” five-decade run.

One of the notable alumni was Former Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper who appeared in a

reach for the top game

reach for the top