MOESC Announces Academic Challenge Winners
Students in 4th through 8th grade kicked off their Academic Challenge season in January with meets on the 12th, 13th, 26th and 27th. Students compete as teams, answering questions about a wide range of topics including literature, fine arts, geography, history, math, and science.
Twelve teams from Col. Crawford, Crestview, Galion, Lexington, Shelby, Mansfield City’s Spanish Immersion and Wooster participated in the 6th Grade Academic Challenge meet on January 12th. Spanish Immersion B team emerged the winner with members Riley J, Aiden H, and Hadley H. Wooster Team A made up of Eleanor A, Jill H, Tim M, Dane K, Olivia K, and Nick K was the runner-up.
On January 13th, twelve teams from Ashland, Col. Crawford, Lexington, Mansfield City’s Spanish Immersion, Mansfield Middle, Madison and Wooster participated in the 7th/8th Grade Academic Challenge. Wooster Team A with members Aaron V, Carson P, Braelynn S, Brooklyn C and Luci D won the meet. The Spanish Immersion 8th grade team of Makayla O, Brayden W, Emma K, and Jacob S came in second.
January 26th was the 5th grade Academic Challenge meet with 13 teams from Crestview, Galion, Ontario, Lexington, Shelby, Plymouth-Shiloh, and Wooster. Wooster Team A won the meet. Team members were Hosiah S, Elijah D, Andrew J and Noemi B. The runner-up was Ontario’s team of Braxton M, Alex H, Tanner W, Leeah Z, Parker W, and Ella T.
Finally, ten 4th grade teams from Crestview, Galion, Lexington, Ontario, Shelby, and Plymouth-Shiloh competed in their Academic Challenge meet on January 27th. Even though they were competing for the first time, they adeptly navigated the technology used to host the virtual event and completed all 6 rounds. Lexington swept the match with their Central Elementary team comprised of Jesse S, Ella R, Odin S, Emma S, and Noah T winning first place, while the Eastern Elementary team of Abby Q, Marissa R, Axl L, Max , and Dominic G placed second.
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Academic Challenge coordinator Leanna Ferreira said while competition looked different, the intensity and level of challenge remained the same. “I have enjoyed seeing the students and coaches adapt to this new format this year, and while everyone is still getting used to the added nuances associated with a virtual tournament we are also settling into a comfortable routine.”
Ferreira said she was told that one student in particular found less anxiety in the virtual setting and feels she performs better. “She said it feels more comfortable rather than having to constantly acclimate to a new location and experience the intensities of new individuals in her physical location each round. This is why I enjoy this activity so very much. We are giving students an opportunity to celebrate academics in a safe, yet competitive nature. It is a place where being “smart” is celebrated in a similar environment to athletics.”