Princeton Middle School took home top honors at the 2022 Battle of the Books Competition held at Concord University on March 19th. Team members representing Princeton Middle School, read six extra-curricular novels to prepare for the competition. At just over three hours per week, the team held meetings to read, discuss, and quiz each other on the material. To read this many novels in such a short period of time, these students read in any window of time they could find. Over months, they experienced life through the eyes of these characters, broadening their perspectives and embracing the journey. They traded a life of contentment for one of adventure with Bilbo Baggins. They traveled across the country in an old school bus with Coyote Sunrise. They became immersed in Nisha's diary as she reflected on the turmoil her country faced and as she left the home she knew and loved. They felt the frustration as they moved to yet another new foster home with Jane and the ferocity of Luma's courage as soccer became an outlet in their evolving community. These students balanced their lives and that of these characters, showing they, too, were just as perceptive, fierce, and tenacious as the characters in the books they read.
During the competition, match after match, they came back to their coach victorious with their thumbs up in the air, smiles radiating, and confidence growing. They made it to the final battle undefeated, with two rounds to try to win before them. In the first round of the finals, they put forth a valiant effort but lost, giving them one more round to try to win. In the last round, with another well-prepared and brilliant team on the opposing side, these students pushed forward and persevered, winning the Battle of the Books competition for Princeton Middle School.
Our students brought pride to their entire tiger family, and, most importantly, grew from the experience and were shaped by the novels they read along the way. This feat was accomplished by the following remarkable Princeton Middle School students: Julia Vance, Allison Carter, Owen Hackney, Kortney Whittaker, Azariah McNary, and Thomas McKenzie.
Coach, Brittany Christian, said, "I am immensely proud of this team. It was my privilege to spend time with such a dedicated, kind, and quick-witted group and I commend them on their hard work and diligence."