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Strong Competition in District Quiz Bowl Tournament
Over 120 students competed in Wilkes County Schools Elementary, Middle, and High School Quiz Bowl Tournaments on Feb. 14, 22, and 28. Organized by Julie Triplett, Chief Technology Officer for Wilkes County Schools, the Elementary School Tournament consisted of a 6-team double elimination, and the Middle and High School Tournaments both consisted of a 4-team double elimination. Questions were derived from many different categories such as Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, and Popular Culture. The format is similar to Jeopardy, featuring a blend of individual competition and team collaboration and enforcing quick recall using a buzzer system to be the first to answer questions. Triplett said that Wilkes County Schools transitioned to Quiz Bowl this year to include not only students who have a love for reading, but also students who excel in mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, and general academic knowledge. “Our Quiz Bowl tournaments increased the rigor of our academic competitions and showcased the intellect of our students across all subject areas. Our students competed well, impressing our Central Services staff who helped with the competition and our guests for the tournament. We are so proud of our students and appreciate our coaches,” Triplett said.
C.C. Wright Elementary defeated Mountain View Elementary in the final round of the Elementary Tournament. The CC Wright Elementary team is coached by media specialist Jaimie Cooper. Cooper stated, “We didn't really know what to expect from the first-ever Quiz Bowl competition, but we studied, practiced answering questions, and worked together as a team. I am so proud of these students and I am genuinely impressed by the amount of talent and ability that Wilkes County students have to offer." Fifth-grade participant, Jeremiah Johnson said he was so excited to play that he couldn’t wait until next year. "We did it! It was really fun,” Johnson said.
West Wilkes Middle School defeated Central Wilkes Middle School in a close final round of the Middle School Tournament. West Wilkes Middle School’s team is coached by media specialist Susan Ringo. She said the team didn’t know what to expect going in, but the students rose to the occasion and got to see their hard work pay off. “Their reactions when the final score was announced were such an honest expression of their surprise and joy at their accomplishment after a tough and hard-fought competition. I could not possibly be prouder of their success,” Ringo stated. Seventh-grade participant Jenilee Gregory agreed with Ringo that hard work pays off. “We had so much fun getting ready and it was really exciting to get serious at competition,” Gregory said.
Wilkes Early College High School won the title of High School Champions after beating East Wilkes High School. Wilkes Early College High School senior Elisha Ralston said he had been practicing with his team for months prior to the competition. “To reign as the champions is quite fulfilling, as my team and I put in a great deal of time and effort into practicing for the tournament," Ralston stated. The team is coached by the school’s bookkeeper/data manager Leah Watkins and principal Jennifer Sorel. Watkins said when the school began looking for a co-sponsor for the team she jumped at the opportunity. Watkins stated, “I’ve always enjoyed trivia, and leading this team of brilliant students has been fulfilling. Every school worked diligently in preparation for the competition and showcased their unique interests in answering questions.”
Each winning team received individual participant medallions and was presented a large trophy from Superintendent Mark Byrd thanks to the support of Cook’s Inc. Snacks and lunches were provided by Horace Mann Insurance.