From Noah’s Ark to Violin Solos, State Students Gather to Compete in Putnam County

By Shelby Young

syoung@cnpapers.com 348-4806

Approximately 500 grade school, middle school and high school students from across the state converged on Putnam County when Teays Valley Christian School recently hosted the statewide Academic Day for member schools of the Association of Christian Schools International.

Schools from Morgantown, Bridgeport, Wheeling, Huntington, Point Pleasant and Charleston came to Scott Depot to compete in events as diverse as a speech contest, Math Olympics, art show, musical performances and a science fair.

In between sessions, the youngsters relaxed in the school’s commons or had snacks and lunch in the cafeteria.

Each class at TVCS volunteered to provide some of the snacks, according to Shannon Brown of the TVCS faculty.

This is the sixth year TVCS has served as host.

Academic Day gives the children a chance to see how they are doing in comparison to their peers in similar schools, according to the event’s coordinator, Jody Sowards of TVCS.

Students could be in four or five different areas during the day, he noted.

There are speech events for grade school, middle and high school students in many areas.

The science fair had exhibits in both life sciences and physical science, broken down into research and non-experimental sections. Exhibits varied according to the age of the participants; but the judges expressed pleasure at the quality of some of the work by the older, advanced students.

Artwork from all grades was on exhibit and ranged from well- constructed wooden benches to stylish painting. There was even a Noah’s Ark constructed from Popsicle sticks by one third-grader.

Students could exhibit in a social studies fair and try their talents in the music festival and an art festival.

The Math Olympics required students to submit their exams by mail. Then they’re graded and awards are presented at Academic Day.

Solo and group musical performances took place all day in the adjacent church sanctuary. Instruments ranged from piano to violin.

Both choral and solo performances also were on the schedule.

This is the last year for TVCS to host the event. Schools around the state alternate as host in three-year segments. TVCS has been the host for the last two of those.

Sowards estimated that approximately 40 volunteers from other schools and the community help with the academic day, adding their efforts as judges and facilitators to the 20 or so staff at TVCS.

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