The Cameron Comets hosted the 21^st Annual 5^th Grade Battle of the Books with Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Bulldogs on March 13 at the Cameron Middle School. Using a quiz bowl model, students from both schools prepared for battle by reading from a list of 20 titles that varied in difficulty, length and subject. This year, at the end of the three battles, Cameron came out on top and kept home the traveling trophy for the year.

All in all, 50 Cameron 5^th graders participated this year.  The following Cameron students earned the right to compete by outscoring other teams in their classrooms. Members of People of the Books (Mrs. LaVallie’s class) were Molli Manley, Isabelle Thompson, Francesca Pica, Anna Eichman, and Aurora Thompson. Crazy Comets (Ms. Diesterhaft’s class) team members were Taylor Rundhaug, Adelaide Adams, Kiarrah Flug, Kylie Hubbard, Mckenzie Schwarz, and Victoria Wintrone. Crazy Blue Crew (Mr. Huseth’s class) team members wereMatali Andersen, Meghan Fostvedt, Avery Krahenbuhl, Alivia Hall, and Alex Myers.

At Chetek-Weyerhaeuser, teams consisted of a mix of students from various 5^th grade classrooms. The top teams and their members were Bookin' Bullfrogs: Kendyl Johnson, Emma Sather, Rylee Buchman, and Hannah Gesler; Peace Readers: Shaylynn Perry, Kara Rasmussen, Rebecca York, and Katlynn Roose; and H.A.M.M: Hailee Parks, Autumn Haas, Madeleine Schofield, and Maggie Timm.

This voluntary academic activity not only challenges students to read carefully, but also teaches them responsibility, goal setting, cooperation and sportsmanship.  The support of our 5^th grade teachers, Mrs. LaVallie, Ms. Diesterhaft, and Mr. Huseth, is crucial to the success of this valuable program.  We thank them for their enthusiasm.  Battle of the Books is coordinated in Cameron by Library Media Specialist, Mrs. Longmire and in Chetek-Weyerhaeuser by 5^th grade teacher, Mr. Bayer.