Harlingen CISD teams put their literary knowledge to the test during a Battle of the Books event hosted at Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy on Jan. 18-19.
Taking first place in the high-school category of the event was Early College High School.
“It feels amazing to win; our hard work paid off,” said ECHS team captain Katelynn Renteria. “We prepared for this contest by reading the books and re-reading the books. As we read, we each wrote 20 questions and then compiled them all to quiz each other in mock competitions after school.”
Harlingen High School South took second, and Harlingen School of Health Professions came in third place.
Placing in the middle-school division were, Memorial Middle School in first place, Coakley Middle School in second and Vela Middle School in third place.
For the elementary contest, Treasure Hills Elementary came in first place, Bonham Elementary took second place, and Lamar Elementary placed third.
“This is the first time HCISD hosts a Battle of the Books competition,” said Coordinator of Library Services Mireya Galvan. “I’ve heard so many great things from the kids. They really enjoyed the books and working with the coaches. It brings me joy to know that they love to read and that they can bring that excitement to this competition.”
Participants began preparing for the event starting in late August. High-schoolers read eight hand-picked books whereas elementary and middle-school students read five books to get ready for the trivia-based contest.
District champions will go on to compete in the regional Battle of the Books contest on Feb. 15.
Click here for more photos of the event.
