news-record.com

The Battle of the Books team from Our Lady of Grace School doesn’t just read about history — it makes history.

The team became the first school ever to win a second consecutive N.C. championship May 8.

“It was an exciting day for the children. They won with a tie-breaker,” said Doris Melson, a school librarian and one of the team sponsors. “But the important thing is that they were able to gain interest in a number of books for the competition.”

The Battle of the Books uses a game format designed to boost middle schoolers’ interest and excitement in reading. Teams are quizzed based on a designated reading list each year.

“Our students spent countless hours in preparation for the Battle of the Books tournaments,” OLG Principal Gary Gelo said. “We’re proud of the team’s dedication, which resulted in back-to-back State Championships. The competition at these events is extremely intense.”

“As a librarian, I am especially glad that the students have developed a love of reading,” Melson said.

OLG competed against eight public school districts in the statewide competition at UNCG. The team won its tie-breaker round against Mills Creek Middle School from Catawba County for the championship.

Members of the winning team were Stratton Barth, Alex Bruno, Caleb Carmichael, Jonah Carmichael, Sydney Cottingham, Gabrielle Dimoff, Joseph Farley, Matthew Hamlet, Katelyn Merendino, Zachary Shields and Kable Young.

Contact LaPorsha Lowry at 373-7088 or laporsha.lowry@ news-record.com