NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC - South Topsail Elementary represented Pender County Schools well at today’s regional Elementary Battle of the Books competition, earning a strong third-place finish against an impressive field of schools from across the region.
Hosted at John J. Blair Elementary School in New Hanover County Schools, the competition featured teams from Union Elementary in Brunswick County, Bellamy Elementary in New Hanover County, Pink Hill Elementary in Lenoir County, Parkwood Elementary in Onslow County, Spring Creek Elementary in Wayne County, and South Topsail Elementary from Pender County.
Students competed by answering detailed questions based on 16 selected book titles, a format that called for careful reading, quick thinking, and strong teamwork. The North Carolina Elementary Battle of the Books program is part of a statewide reading initiative coordinated through the North Carolina School Library Media Association, and the competition is designed to encourage students to engage deeply with high-quality literature while building both literacy and collaboration skills.
Preparing for Battle of the Books requires students to read across a wide range of genres, authors, characters, and themes. Through that process, participants strengthen comprehension, expand their knowledge of literature, sharpen recall, and develop the communication and problem-solving skills needed to work effectively as a team. With only a short time to discuss each question and agree on an answer, students must rely on both their individual preparation and their collective strategy. This year’s elementary competition format centered on 16 books, consistent with the statewide program.
South Topsail Elementary’s team delivered an outstanding performance in a challenging regional field, and their third-place finish reflects the hard work, dedication, and love of reading that brought them to the competition.
Special recognition goes to coaches Sally Kennedy and Kathleen Dickerson for the time, encouragement, and preparation they invested in supporting students throughout the season. Their leadership helped guide the team as students read, studied, practiced, and prepared for a demanding day of competition.
Pender County Schools also extends sincere thanks to Kristy Sartain, Lead Librarian for New Hanover County Schools, for organizing the event, as well as to John J. Blair Elementary School and New Hanover County Schools for their hospitality, support, and for providing an excellent venue for the competition. The event was well run and provided a wonderful experience for all of the students and schools involved.
Congratulations to South Topsail Elementary on an outstanding showing and for representing Pender County Schools so well.