Niagara Falls native Liz Asklar Cotrufello to appear on 'JEOPARDY!'

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Liz Asklar Cotrufello will appear as a contestant on the Wednesday, July 19, episode of “JEOPARDY!” (7:30 p.m. on WIVB-TV Channel 4).

She was born and raised in Niagara Falls, and was the valedictorian of Niagara Falls High School’s Class of 1982. While in high school, Liz appeared on the locally produced “It’s Academic!” quiz show, which probably sparked her love of trivia.

Liz is the daughter of Eleanor Asklar and the late Eugene Asklar. She is a resident of Broomall, Pennsylvania, where she lives with her 20-year-old twins, Sean and Emily Cotrufello, with whom she watches every episode of “JEOPARDY!” She is a fourth-grade teacher at Swarthmore-Rutledge School in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

Liz brings “JEOPARDY!” into her classroom, using the game format to practice various facts, especially U.S. states and capitals.

“For years, I’ve been telling my students, ‘You have to know the states and capitals, in case you’re ever on ‘JEOPARDY!’ ” she said. When Liz’s students found out about her upcoming appearance on the show, they cheered.

“I had talked about trying out for the show three times, so they are really excited for me,” she said. “I hope they see that perseverance pays off, and that big dreams can come true.”

After Liz’s third audition for the show, she received the call in April that she had been selected to be a contestant. She has been a huge fan of the show for years, and always knew it would be a dream come true to be invited to compete.

“I learned to read at an early age, and was given a great love of learning by my parents and family,” Liz said. “I can remember a lot of the facts I’ve been exposed to, and am lucky to have the ability to come up with answers quickly.”

About the audition process, Liz said, “If you’ve ever watched the show and thought, ‘Hey, I know a lot of these questions,’ give it a try. The online test is offered frequently, and you never know. I tried it, I was invited, and it was one of the most exciting and fun experiences of my life!”

Liz plans on being in Niagara Falls on July 19 to watch the episode with her family and friends.

Liz Asklar Cotrufello will appear on next Wednesday’s episode of “JEOPARDY!” (Photo by Jeopardy Productions Inc.)