In an all-out literary clash of knowledge, Nolanville Elementary School pulled out the first-place victory Friday in Killeen ISD’s annual Battle of the Books.
Teams from 16 district elementary schools competed in this year’s event that centered around knowledge of 20 books chosen by librarians.
Each team gathered at their respective campuses and worked through two rounds of trivia questions in the virtual event that district instructional technologist Kiree Bons orchestrated.
In the end, Nolanville team members jumped and shouted out loud when they found out they won.
Two coaches and two fifth grade team members in their third-year competing said it was dedication and teamwork that pulled them through to victory.
“I thought it was going to be hard, but the celebration was amazing,” said Dane Hyatt, II, one of the fifth-grade team members, who said the team was motivated and determined.
His interest in books, especially graphic novels and comic books convinced him to take part in the event the past three years.
“It’s really exciting to actually win it,” said Joel Lippert, a fifth-grader. “It gives me more time and helps me to not get as sidetracked,” he said of the value of reading.
The coaches, both third-grade teachers, said students learn camaraderie and teamwork and commit to after-school work to compete in the book battle.
Tracy Soliz praised the students’ work ethic in reading and studying the books.
“We’ve been working all school year,” she said. “These students are really talented. They are strong readers and we are proud of them. Even during testing, they were coming to practice. They were putting in effort at home.”
Jordan Henderson said, “They put in the effort, and it paid off,” emphasizing the extra time students put in to read all 20 books, some multiple times.
Students have already asked for next year’s reading list.
Skipcha finished second and Reeces Creek finished third in the book trivia challenge.