Scarsdale Student To Make Jeopardy Debut

Scarsdale resident David Schuman never imagined he would compete on his all-time favorite game show while still in college.

The Vanderbilt University senior will be gathering with his fraternity brothers and friends to watch his television debut on Jeopardy on September 25.

"It’s a dream come true," Schuman, 21, told Patch. "I always thought 'maybe I’d get lucky’ when I’m 40, 45," but he never dreamed he would hit the Jeopardy jackpot while still in college.

Schuman, who has been watching the game show since he was a young kid, can not reveal if he won. But he did describe the overall experience of taking the online test, auditioning and flying out to film Jeopardy.

The college senior did a live audition in New York City, and had the chance to play a real game, buzzers and all, against two adults. He competed in the adult version, not the college version, he noted.

A year after that in-person audtion, the game show folks contacted Schuman and asked if he would come on the show.

In late July, Schuman and his parents, Jim and Barbara, flew out to LA for the taping at Sony Studios.

Although Jeopardy contestants must pay for their hotel and travel, the Scarsdale resident said the experience was worth it.

Competing on the show and meeting Alex Trebek fulfilled a childhood dream and the prize money that all three contestants receive is a bonus, he said. 

Now back at college, Schuman and his fraternity are hosting a huge viewing party on September 25. Back at home in Scarsdale, his parents will be hosting a smaller, "tamer," viewing party with a few friends, he said.

Tune in to watch Jeopardy on Tuesday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m. on WABC-TV to find out who wins.

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