2017 Annual Black History Brain Bowl competition
RICKARDS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Left to Right: Dr. Marvin Henderson, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Malinda Jackson James, Center Director, Shamera Dansby-White, Onyame Coleman, Marquelle Ogletree, Blessing Nkembo, Preston Robinson, Abigail Hatcher
Back Row: Doug Cook, Principal, Alejandro Zapata, Black History Brain Bowl Coach and Dr. Deborah
Barnes, Assistant Principal
SWIFT CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL
Left to Right: Dr. Marvin Henderson, Sue Rishell, Iyanti Fisher, Samuel King, Katelyn Reddick, Amyiah Robinson, Kamaya Payne, Kemaria Brantley, Mia Scott, Florida R. Dobson, Patrick Wright and Dr. Malinda Jackson James
Special to the Outlook
Saturday, Feb. 4, ushered in not only the first weekend in of the month, but the arrival of the traditional Black History Month and the Annual Black History Brain Bowl Competition. For approximately 23 years, this “Battle of the Brains” event has been hosted in Tallahassee and sponsored by the Tallahassee Area Coalition Center of Excellence (TACCOE), under the leadership of Dr. Malinda Jackson James, Center Director and the Leon County School District. This year’s event was held on the campus of Florida A&M University in the Perry Paige Auditorium. Dr. William Hudson, Vice President for Student Affairs and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Marvin Henderson, brought warm and welcoming greetings to the students, friends and their families in attendance.
Nine schools participated in this year’s event. They were Cobb Middle, Deerlake Middle, Fairview Middle, Griffin Middle and Montford Middle Schools. The three high schools joining the competition were Chiles, Leon and Rickards. It never ceases to amaze, how these young people are able to positively regurgitate so much wonderful and exact history about their ancestors. Questions and responses also covered numerous famous African Americans who are still living today. All of the students worked hard in study sessions over the past several months; many of them as often as three to four afternoons a week; still going home to chores and homework.
Swift Creek Middle School’s team, under the leadership of coach Florida Dobson, won the Middle School Single Elimination Contest for the fourth year in a row. They earned a huge first place trophy to showcase at their school site and students received first place medallions to represent their win. Principal Sue Rishell and Assistant Principal Patrick Wright were in attendance to support the Wolves.
Fairview Middle placed second and Griffin Middle was third in the Middle School Competition. Each of these teams also have awesome trophies to showcase at their schools. A great job was done by both students and coaches. Principals Scott Hansen from Fairview and Gwendolyn Lynn Thomas from Griffin, were there to cheer their teams on.
The Rickards High School team stole the show during the High School competition, as they rose to the top once again, winning the 2017 rivalry. They’ve danced this routine before when they won the Local/Regional Competition in 2016. It was their experience and joy, to take home another humongous trophy to add as well, to the school’s trophy collection. Team members also were adorned with 1st place medallions to show-off to family and friends. Because they’ve taken this win, the Rickards Team will represent the TACCOE in the State Black History Brain Bowl Competition March 18, in Orlando. Winning first, second or third place in the Statewide Competition will bring College/University Scholarships from institutions within the state of Florida, for these winners. The Raiders say they will be ready. Principal Doug Cook and Assistant Principal Dr. Deborah Barnes were there to celebrate another great win with the team.
The Leon High School team won second place and Chiles High School came in third place. Hard work and dedication was displayed by all the teams and coaches participating.
