Gentry Middle School hosted the district middle school Battle of the Books competition on Thursday, February 22, 2024. Central Middle, Gentry Middle, Meadowview Magnet Middle, and Pilot Mountain Middle participated in the event. Each team is required to have at least six members but can have as many as twelve. A total of 34 students were involved in the competition. These students read books from a list established by the state Battle of the Books committee, and then compete in quiz-bowl-style tournaments to test their knowledge of these books. At the conclusion of the competition, Central Middle School was declared the winner with a total of 144 points. Coming in at a very close second place was the Pilot Mountain Middle School team with 140 points. This makes the third year in a row that Central Middle School has won!
This year, students took an individual test to showcase their knowledge of book titles and authors. Individual competition winners tied with Sarah Avery Boaz and Aubrey Buntin, taking home victory by earning 64 points.
Alison York, Central Middle Principal, said, “I am extremely proud of our team. The students spent many hours preparing for the competition. Coupled with their commitment to reading the books and answering questions, their excitement about reading and supporting their team made me very proud!”