Adair County Elementary School Academic Team participants competed Monday, March 18, and Saturday, March 23, 2024, in Region 9 Governor’s Cup at Metcalfe County Elementary School in Edmonton, Kentucky. The region was composed of four districts with a culmination of thirteen schools.
Adair County Elementary School (ACES) finished with multiple honors in regional play, claiming the title of runner-up overall Region 9. Other accomplishments included placing third place out of six teams in Future Problem Solving (FPS), coached by Mrs. Jeana Pike. ACES Quick Recall Team, coached by Mrs. Lisa Newell-Hare went undefeated, claiming first place out of eight teams. The accomplished team had seven individual winners in the written composition and written assessment competitions.
“With the participants practicing since October, it has been exciting to see their hard work end in great success,” says Newell-Hare. “Our students have to be disciplined to put in countless hours practicing and studying for these competitions. Their parents and guardians deserve praise for their dedication in making sure studying takes place at home outside of practice sessions too.”
The Regional ACES Academic Team was composed of sixteen members: Lillian Ballard, Emily Burkhardt, Gabe Erickson, Addison Giles, Cohen Grider, Cash Hare, Dallas Hatcher, Raegan Hillock, Karlie Irvin, Rory Kleckler, Clara Kotter, Matthew Moss, Jaxton Stephens, Kinsley Thomas, Raelee Turner, and Sophia Warren.
The FPS team featured Emily Burkhardt, Ava Froedge, Clara Kotter, and Matthew Moss. Their topic for the competition was “Antarctica.” “Participating in FPS requires students to use their creativity and problem-solving skills,” says Pike, who focuses her coaching duties on FPS. “They’ve worked hard to learn and apply the six-step creative problem-solving model to complex issues facing society today. I am happy for this group of students and their accomplishments this season.”
Individual winners for the competition include Emily Burkhardt (2nd place Written Composition), Gabe Erickson (4th place Mathematics, 3rd place Science), Cash Hare (1st place Science), Dallas Hatcher (3rd place Arts & Humanities, 5th place Science), and Rory Kleckler (5th place Written Composition).
One of the most competitive portions of the competition Saturday was the Quick Recall event. ACES won all four matches they competed in. “I was extremely proud of how well they persevered in a long day of competitions against other strong teams,” says Newell-Hare. “They went into the competition with a positive attitude, encouraging their own teammates, as well as their opponents.” The results of the matches included Adair vs. Clinton 21-3, Adair vs. Russell Springs 22-11, Adair vs. Cub Run 20-15, and Adair vs. Cub Run 24-3.
The regional competition is the highest level for the elementary Governor’s Cup, which brings the season to an end. “We are extremely proud of this year’s participants as they have grown in knowledge and we celebrate their success with them. We will be ready for next season and look forward to working with our next team” Newell-Hare says.
ACES Academic Team Regional Runner-up at Metcalfe County Elementary School in Edmonton, Kentucky
Back Row: (L-R) Coach Jeana Pike, Jaxton Stephens, Rory Kleckler, Raelee Turner, Raegan Hillock, Lillian Ballard, Karlie Irvin, and Coach Lisa Newell-Hare
Middle Row: (L-R) Cash Hare, Matthew Moss, Dallas Hatcher, Emily Burkhardt, Addison Giles, and Clara Kotter
Front Row: (L-R) Gabe Erickson, Kinsley Thomas, Sophia Warren, and Cohen Grider
Not pictured: Ava Froedge
(Lisa Newell-Hare – Adair County Elementary School)