INDIANAPOLIS -- A group of students at an Indianapolis schools captured the top award this past weekend at an academic bowl in the nation's capitol.

The 2008 National Academic Bowl winners at the Indiana School for the Deaf took home a coveted trophy, and they did it without the spoken word, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

The team of four students beat others from 90 different schools for the deaf and hearing impaired.

"It proves if you really work hard, you can reach your goals," said student Colin Whited.

The students excelled in studies ranging from science and technology to math and history. Their name will be added to a trophy that bears the likeness of Albert Einstein.

"Really, it means a lot to me," Whited said. "My ultimate goal is reached finally. It's hard to explain. It feels amazing."

The team and their coaches said the win brings much more than just personal satisfaction.

"This … validates our educational system here, the bilingual, bicultural approach," said Mary Kovatch, the team's coach.

Three team members are juniors and will compete again next year.