First place honors went to students at Blendon Middle School.
The third annual 6th and 7th grade Battle of the Books competition between Blendon and Walnut Springs middle schools brought 55 students and several parents together to celebrate the joy of reading. This year Walnut Springs hosted the event, on May 5, in the Center for Inspiration.
Teams buzzed in with correct answers about titles from a 20-book list in the Jeopardy-style contest. First place was awarded to Blendon Team 2; second place went to Walnut Springs Team 1 (grade 7); and third place was earned by Blendon Team 3.
Blendon’s coach was Katharine Helfond (6th grade Advanced Language Arts). Walnut Springs coaches were Ranee Brown (6th grade Advanced Language Arts) and Tammy Saltzmann (7th grade Advanced Language Arts). Teams were assisted by the Blendon and Walnut Springs Gifted Education Facilitator, Dr. Lisa Huelskamp. Judges were Dr. Jill Williams (Language Arts Coordinator), Mark Buxton (retired Blendon Language Arts teacher and former Battle of the Books Coach), and Meredith Fletcher (Library Link, Westerville Public Library). Julie Doel (Media Specialist Assistant and former Battle of the Books Coach) moderated the event.
All students received a certificate, and the top three teams won medals. Special certificates were awarded to 7th graders Rebecca Fanning of Walnut Springs and Parker Smith of Blendon, who each read all 20 competition books.
Competitors enjoyed a pizza party and book discussions following the award ceremony.