Pender County, NC – The Penderlea Middle School Battle of the Books team made a strong return to competition this year, earning third place in the Pender County district competition. The event took place on Monday, February 24, at Topsail Middle School and marked the first time a Penderlea team had participated since 2020.
In a field open to students in grades 6-8, the Penderlea team stood out as the only group made up entirely of sixth graders. Their impressive performance showcased both their reading comprehension and teamwork, as they competed against older and more experienced teams from across the district.
Battle of the Books is a reading competition that challenges students to read a selection of books and answer detailed questions about them. Teams must work together to recall key details, themes, and character insights to earn points.
Coaches and school staff expressed immense pride in the young team's dedication and achievement. "For an all-sixth-grade team to place third in the district is an incredible accomplishment," said Edith Hounshel, Coach. "These students have worked so hard, and we’re excited to see how they grow in the coming years."
With their strong debut, the Penderlea Battle of the Books team has set a high standard for future competitions. Their success this year builds excitement for next year’s event, where they will return with more experience and confidence.
Congratulations to the Penderlea Middle School Battle of the Books team on their outstanding achievement!
Photo Credit: Bob Fankboner