Sixteen elementary school teams tested their knowledge at the annual Cleveland County Book Challenge. Formerly known as Elementary Battle of the Books, this year’s competition was stacked with the largest number of teams in the history of book challenges in Cleveland County.
“It was fantastic to see so many brilliant minds come together to test their knowledge,” said Tamara Goforth, executive director of elementary education. “In previous years, we split the event into two days, and the teams never had the opportunity to compete with teams slotted for differing days. This year was completely different, and Elizabeth Elementary emerged as the very best of the readers.”
During the competition sessions, the teams would go head-to-head to answer questions. The moderators would ask questions, the teams would confer, then provide their answers through a device.
Grover Elementary took third place in the competition, while teams Kings Mountain Intermediate and Township Three Elementary tied for second.
“We are definitely high-tech with our approach to the competition,” added Goforth. “The students are already quite comfortable with devices, so we made sure to integrate the technology as a means of streamlining the results compilation process while providing an interesting twist for the students.”
At the awards ceremony, students received participation medallions. Additionally, a member from each team was selected as the most knowledgeable reader, a team “MVP” of sorts, and was presented with a Dr. Ruth Pace Award. Dr. Pace has worked with teams in Cleveland County since it began as a competition for middle schoolers in 1992. She has helped coach teams, moderated numerous local and regional competitions, and written hundreds of practice questions.
The Dr. Pace Award Winners include:
- Georgia Carscaddon of Bethware Elementary
- Micah Talbert of Boiling Springs Elementary
- Abigail Lail of Casar Elementary
- Zaryn Etters of East Elementary
- Xavier Carroll of Elizabeth Elementary
- Jenna Propst of Fallston Elementary
- Layne Hoffman of Grover Elementary
- Jadence Woods of James Love Elementary
- Pierce Karner of Jefferson Elementary
- Maddie McPherson of Kings Mountain Intermediate
- Kaydence Dayton of North Elementary
- Connor Wortman of Springmore Elementary
- Kyle Champion of Township Three Elementary
- Isabel Kamlade of Union Elementary
- Gracie Stimpson of Washington Elementary
- Easton Wade of West Elementary
Click here to view photos from this year’s Cleveland County Book Challenge.