Loading...On May 18-19, 2013, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School will send three teams of Middle School students to the National History Bowl Competition in Alexandria, Va.
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This level of participation represents nearly 60% of all middle school students at St. Stephen's.
Participation in the National History Bowl came about last year through the initiative of several students who asked their History teacher, Mrs. Beth Lichtenwalner, if the school could put together a team. They qualified two teams at the Nationals in 2012, one of which placed 6th in the country, and Mrs. Lichtenwalner was named Coach of the Year.
When asked why she took on the challenge last year, and again with an even bigger squad this year, Mrs. Lichtenwalner said, “I like watching the excitement in their eyes when they learn something new or make a connection to a new fact about something they were already familiar with. I love their curiosity and the pride they have when they are able to answer a question.” An added advantage she has discovered in this team sport is that the students who are good at history are able to teach their teammates and consequently learn more themselves.
This year two of St. Stephen’s three teams reached the semi-finals of the State competition, held at Elizabethtown High School last month, and all three teams qualified to compete at the National competition, to be held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott hotel in Alexandria on May 18th.
At a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the team, held at the school on April 5th, Mrs. Lichtenwalner congratulated her team, pointing out that they voluntarily meet twice each week for two hours after school to learn about history in preparation for their competitions. She praised their dedication and determination.
The St. Stephen’s teams have already become known at the National History Bowl for their great team spirit and friendly competition. Mrs. Lichtenwalner proudly reported that teachers and parents from other schools have stopped her on numerous occasions to compliment the St. Stephen’s students for their good sportsmanship and to remark on how much they seem to enjoy being together.
And when you ask the team members what they like about being on the History Bowl team? “It’s a lot of fun and we learn a lot,” said Spencer, a 6th grader and team rookie. His classmate, Isac, agreed “I have learned new things I never knew before. It’s fun to go deeper than the textbooks.” Team veterans, 8th graders Janetta and Rian both love working as a team: “People are very supportive of each other. There are no outcasts, we all fit in and everyone cooperates,” said Rian. “Our team-mates are nice. We stick together. We don’t get mad; we help each other,” added Janetta.
