GOLDSBORO, N.C. — A team of fifth-grade students from Spring Creek Middle School is headed to the state stage after winning the Regional Elementary Battle of the Books Competition on Tuesday, April 14.
Wayne County Public Schools officials announced that the Spring Creek Middle School team claimed first place during the regional competition held at John J. Blair Elementary School in New Hanover County. The team is made up of eight fifth-grade students who earned the opportunity to advance after also capturing top honors at the local level.
“This week, the Wayne County Board of Education proclaimed April as School Library Media Month,” said Ken Derksen, Executive Director for Community Engagement and Student & Family Support. “It is especially fitting to celebrate this month by highlighting our outstanding Battle of the Books teams and Spring Creek Middle School’s success at both the local and regional levels.”
WCPS recently hosted its annual Elementary Battle of the Books (EBOB) and Middle School Battle of the Books (MBOB) competitions at the Dillard/Goldsboro Alumni Cultural Center. Approximately 100 students across 12 teams competed, including eight elementary teams and four middle school teams.
Local Competition Results
Elementary School Battle of the Books:
- 1st Place: Spring Creek Middle (Coach: Kim York)
- 2nd Place: Northwest Elementary (Coaches: Michele Weeks and Marjorie Cooke)
- 3rd Place: Spring Creek Elementary (Coach: Cami Brown)
Middle School Battle of the Books:
- 1st Place: Spring Creek Middle (Coach: Kim York)
- 2nd Place: Mount Olive Middle (Coaches: Valerie Blokland and Joshua Hardison)
- 3rd Place: Wayne School of Engineering (Coach: Dawn Schappell)
Sponsored by the North Carolina School Library Media Association and coordinated through school media programs, Battle of the Books is a quiz bowl-style academic competition designed to promote reading and literacy. Students read from a state-selected list of books and compete to demonstrate their knowledge.
This year, middle school participants read 20 titles, while elementary students read 15 titles in preparation for competition.
“Literacy is an essential part of life, and Battle of the Books provides a fun and engaging way for students to strengthen their reading skills,” said Christy White, WCPS Enhancement Program Coordinator. “We are extremely appreciative of the media coordinators, volunteers, and staff members who go above and beyond to make this exceptional experience possible for our students.”
Additional schools participating in this year’s local competitions included Carver Heights Elementary, Dillard Middle, Fremont Elementary, Grantham Middle, Meadow Lane Elementary, Northeast Elementary, and Rosewood Elementary.
As the regional champion, Spring Creek Middle School will now advance to the North Carolina Battle of the Books Competition on Tuesday, April 28, at The Unity Center in Statesville.
provides a fun and engaging way for students to strengthen their reading skills,” said Christy White, WCPS Enhancement Program Coordinator. “We are extremely appreciative of the media coordinators, volunteers, and staff members who go above and beyond to make this exceptional experience possible for our students.”
As the regional EBOB champion, Spring Creek Middle School will advance to the North Carolina Battle of the Books Competition on Tuesday, April 28, at The Unity Center in Statesville.
Additional schools participating in this year’s local competitions included Carver Heights Elementary, Dillard Middle, Fremont Elementary, Grantham Middle (EBOB), Meadow Lane Elementary, Northeast Elementary, and Rosewood Elementary.
