Top row (left to right): Winning teams from Blendon, and Genoa (grades 6 and 7). Bottom: Battle of the Books winners from Heritage and Walnut Springs.
The fourth annual 6th and 7th grade Battle of the Books competitions have been taking place in each Westerville middle school. Teams buzzed in with correct answers about titles from a selected book list (10-20 books, depending on the event) in a Jeopardy-style contest.
Blendon’s coaches were teachers Katharine Davis and Kristen Larson. First place winners were sixth grade students Elijah Beattie, Michael Dellasanta, Marissa Hutchins Katy Mowery, and Samyra Smith.
Genoa’s coaches were educators Tracy Jados and Kara Reiter. Sixth grade students Cyrus Holt, Rachel Flora, Rylee Saunders, and Meredith Johnson earned first place. First place for seventh grade went to Maddie Lyons, Arabella Pierre, Lily Winkler, and Nicole Rogers.
Sarah Kruk coached Heritage competitors. Seventh graders Addison Poulsen, Bridget Stallings, Alison Reynolds, Anna Sekeres and Lillian Gates won that contest.
Ranee Brown and Tammy Saltzmann coached Walnut Springs participants. Seventh grade students Lilia Geyer, Rebekah Oladokun, Alison Hamen, Yassmine Kassab and Suraksha Chhetri captured the top spot.
Teams were assisted by members of the Gifted Education Department, who expressed thanks to judges and media specialists/librarians. Competitors enjoyed snacks and book discussions following the award ceremony.