The 9th annual Central Ohio 8th Grade Battle of the Books Competition, hosted by Heritage Middle School, took place at Westerville North High School on Tuesday, March 14. Each of Westerville’s four middle schools competed, along with other Central Ohio teams from Olentangy, Pickerington, and Teays Valley. Teams buzzed in with correct answers about titles from the 19-book list in a Jeopardy-style contest.
The competition celebrates reading a wide genre of great books selected by media specialists, teachers and students. Westerville readers earned high honors with Heritage Middle School winning first place (coached by Debbie Pellington and Kris Konik), followed by Blendon in second place (coached by Keona Walker and Lisa Huelskamp). Genoa placed third (coached by Deanna McDaniel), and the team from Toll Gate Middle School in Pickerington took fourth place (coached by Jodi Overfield). The team from Walnut Springs competed admirably by placing 5th (coached by Julie Doel and Jean Trimble).
All competitors enjoyed a pizza party following the award ceremony.