Smile Report: Alto Park Elementary wins Academic Quiz Bowl

Media release: Alto Park Elementary has won their third Academic Quiz Bowl in a row after taking top honors in the intellectual battle between fifth-grade teams from Floyd County Schools. Alto Park’s team has won six of the last eight years in the elementary division of the academic competition. The Academic Quiz Bowl is a county-wide academic competition that was held on Wednesday, March 11 at Berry College.

Alto Park Elementary, coached by Judy Roebuck, placed first with 590 total points. Cave Spring Elementary, coached by Alicia Henson, placed second with a total of 535 points. Johnson Elementary, coached by Carol Estes, finished third with 515 points. Garden Lakes Elementary, Armuchee Elementary, Model Elementary and Pepperell Elementary teams also participated in the academic competition.

The elementary competition was started 14 years ago to bring all Floyd County gifted students together to compete in academics. Fifth-grade gifted students in Floyd County Schools participate in the elementary division in math, science, vocabulary, spelling, trivia, literature and geography.

The quiz bowl promotes academic growth in problem solving, critical thinking, communication and advanced research skills. The activities also promote leadership and provide motivation for students to excel in academics. The quiz bowls are local school system events with no region or state competitions for the winners. McCall Govignon, director of advanced academic programs for Floyd County Schools, considers these events important for elementary and middle school participants. “The Academic Quiz Bowl gives these children the opportunity to display their skill and academic talent and prepares them to compete in academic decathlons at the high school level,” Govingnon said.

Alto Park team members are: Holden Hackney, Ellie Cooper, Lauren Kennamer, Chandler Pewitt, Jorge Cruz, Avie Carlton, Cearra Parker, Sarah Jenkins, Sydney Spexarth.