June 1, 2009 — Twenty-eight youngsters at Pearl B. Larsen Elementary showed off impressive knowledge of V.I. history Monday in the two-hour V.I. Heritage Quiz Bowl.
Students in grades one through three have been studying and memorizing history, flora and fauna, and fact about culture and Pearl B. Larsen School for the past month in preparation for the annual quiz bowl. The bowl is named after Violet Connor and Rae Armstrong, retired local educators who pushed for V.I. cultural activities and emphasized V.I. history.
Third grader Imani Evans took home first place, while second went to Ty Moorehead and Remy Brewer got third place.
"Imani slept with the study guide under her pillow last night," said Emmanuella Perez, V.I. Shining Stars team coach. Evans' mom, Ludz Rodriguez, said her daughter left home this morning singing "It's a Climb" by Miley Cyrus. Evans said she couldn't believe she won.
Students, parents and teachers filled the auditorium and cheered on their favorite teams, but were required to remain silent during questioning. The four teams with seven students each were the Arawaks in gray T-shirts, Gooseberry Stew in cream, Kallaloo in lime green and the V.I. Shining Stars in powder-blue shirts.
The boys swaggered as they walked up to the microphone, and when they got their questions right they grinned from ear to ear. The girls appeared more intense and nervous, and shed a few tears when they got eliminated.
The bowl began with teamwork, where the students could confer with each other, then they went to individual rounds. The students each got two points for the correct answer. Then the 14 students with the most points went on to the final round.
The questions ranged from the state bird and the state flower to what island got its name from the goats living on it. Other questions included, "What is served with fish in butter sauce?" and "What elected official served the longest term?"
Both of the honored retired teachers on hand for the bowl said they were surprised at how well the students did.
"It is really amazing they are so well-versed," Connor said. "The students have started with a good foundation with this information they have learned. In terms of of history, it is important to know where you came from, where you are and where you are headed."
Armstrong said she liked the teamwork and discipline shown by the students at their age levels.
"This shows they will be able to function well at the upper levels," she added.
Evans won a trophy and a $15 gift certificate from Kmart. The teams each got a trophy, and each participant got to pick an educational item from a basket.
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