Upper Schoolers Compete in WTVR’ s Battle of the Brains
STEWARD NEWS
Scan here to watch Steward vs. King George High School in Battle of the Brains!
Upper Schoolers Compete in WTVR’ s Battle of the Brains
A competition of knowledge against another school is nervewracking enough, let alone one that will be broadcast on local television. But a group of Steward Upper School students can basically call themselves professionals after taking part in two sessions of WTVR CBS 6 News’ Battle of the Brains.
After students passed a pre-test to qualify, Steward was selected to take part in the competition this past fall. During the first match, which was filmed in September and aired in early October, four Steward students defeated a team from King George High School.
In the second match, the Spartans fought a hard battle, but succumbed to Midlothian High School. The match, which features ninth graders Sonali Sanjay and Sachin Sanjay, junior Nicole Teichner, and senior Cole Bassett, will air on Saturday, January 28 at 10 a. m. During each
match, participants were asked a variety of questions ranging from mathematics and history to pop culture trivia and sports facts. To prepare, students met in Upper School science teacher Eric Hopp’ s classroom during lunches to answer Jeopardy questions and play Trivial Pursuit.
“ I think it’ s important for students to have a solid base of knowledge to build upon as they move into college, and this event helps build that base for students,” Mr. Hopp said.“ I hope to continue getting more students involved with Battle of the Brains in the future.”
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6 | The Colonnade
Winter Play, Sense and Sensibility
Visiting Innovator Barrington Irving
Parents Association Gala and Auction
Senior Showcase Lower School Oratorical
Visiting Innovator Leah Buechley
Steward Spring Invitational and Debbie Robson Pancakes for a Purpose
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Middle School Student Council Initiates Annual Speaker Series
In an effort to make a bigger impact on student culture this year, the Middle School Student Council began hosting unique events and speakers to bring about awareness on important societal topics, such as using technology wisely and instilling a culture of anti-bullying.
In September, Steward hosted a public showing of the documentary film Screenagers for the community as well as a special showing of the film for students in grades 5-8. Directed by Delaney Ruston, M. D., Screenagers focuses on the impact of the digital age on children and how to help them minimize harmful effects and find balance.
“ The film made me realize that too much time on electronics can be harmful, but having some time participating in meaningful activities is alright,” eighth grader Asa Shield said.“ This was an interesting and new idea for me.”
In November, George Dennehy, a musician born without arms who sings and plays instruments with his feet, spoke to grades 5-8 during an anti-bullying assembly. Mr. Dennehy told students about growing up feeling“ different” from everyone else and impressed upon them the importance of acceptance.
“ It’ s important for us to celebrate our differences,” he said.“ When we understand that we’ re all different, we can treat each other with respect.”
Middle School Dean of Students Mark Nugent, who advises the student council, said the goal of discussing these important issues is to promote the theme of caring and respecting oneself and others. The council hopes to bring 3-4 speakers to campus per year moving forward.
“ We want students to realize there’ s a world outside themselves,” he said.“ We need to be aware of the world around us and realize that our actions affect other people so we can learn to talk with one another openly and respectfully.”