HICKORY — Hickory City Schools said March 30, 2026, that the Oakwood Elementary School Elementary Battle of the Books team was named Region 7 champion on Friday, March 27, at Challenger High School.
The Hickory City Schools team competed against top elementary teams from six surrounding districts: Alexander County, Ashe County, Caldwell County, Catawba County, Watauga County, and Yancey County. The district said the students showed reading comprehension, teamwork, and perseverance and advanced through seven competitive rounds.
As Region 7 champions, the team advanced to the State Elementary Battle of the Books Competition on April 28 at the Unity Center in Statesville.
Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Griffin said: “We are incredibly proud of our Hickory City Schools Elementary Battle of the Books team for this outstanding accomplishment. Their dedication to reading, collaboration, and academic excellence truly reflects the spirit of our district. Competing at this level takes commitment and passion, and these students have exemplified both. We wish them the very best as they represent Hickory City Schools at the state competition.”
The district said the Elementary Battle of the Books program encourages students to read a variety of literature, develop critical thinking skills, and work collaboratively, and that the title highlights a continued commitment to fostering a love of reading.
A caption listed coach Jana Kaylor and students Collins R., Lucy L., Taelani H., Finnan R., Juliette F., Samantha W., CanBria H., Eleanor F., Eden R., and Eden T.
The March 30 notice does not list round scores, the state-meet result, or a trophy count.
Official release from Hickory City Schools, March 30, 2026. https://www.hickoryschools.net/about/news/news-detail/~board/hickory-city-schools-news/post/hickory-city-schools-elementary-battle-of-the-books-wins-region-7-championship
