Students across the Whitewater Unified School District showcased their literary knowledge in the district-level Battle of the Books competition last week.
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association, the program challenges students to read and master 20 books from a preselected list. Book lists were published last June, allowing students and staff to begin their reading journey.
Under the leadership of District Library Media Specialist Kathy Retzke, library lessons in November 2024 introduced students to the competition format. Teams of up to four students were formed, and each was responsible for dividing and conquering the reading list. Over the next 10 weeks, weekly meetings led by library staff provided opportunities for collaboration, comprehension exercises, and practice questions.
Originally launched at Lakeview Elementary under the direction of former library paraprofessional Jerre Sveum, the program expanded district-wide three years ago. This year marks the addition of a high school team. Participation has soared, with 89 students across 26 teams competing from 4th to 11th grade.
“The Battle of the Books program is a fantastic example of how reading can bring students together in a fun, competitive, and educational way,” said WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “Seeing nearly 90 students from across our district dedicate themselves to reading, teamwork, and critical thinking is truly inspiring. Their hard work and collaboration exemplify the kind of engaged learning we strive for at WUSD. We are incredibly proud of all our participants and look forward to seeing how our teams perform at the state competition.”
The winning teams from each school will advance to the statewide Battle of the Books competition, February 24-28, competing virtually against 250 elementary schools, 160 middle schools, and 70 high schools. Below are the teams that will represent WUSD:
Lakeview Elementary – “Grumpy Monkeys”
● Finley Bunger
● Cecilia Harris
● Madison Loveall
● Chloe Swaney
Lincoln Elementary – “Spicy Chicken Wings”
● Keagan Acker
● Zander Christon
● Keaton Kachel
● Logan Pinterics
Washington Elementary – “Reading Costco Guys”
● Nathan Akosung
● Amaury Garcia-Ostria
● Rusbel Mateo
Whitewater Middle School – “The Red Knights”
● Cam Avilla
● Aurora Gerblick
● Madelyn Taylor
Whitewater High School – “The Final Brain Cell”
● Vivian Harris
● Virginia Nelson
● Letty Trautman
