Bryan County’s Richmond Hill Middle School, coached by Susie Reed and Sean Vandenhouten, received third runner-up honors at the PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators) Academic Bowl for Middle Grades State Championship, held Feb. 11 at the Georgia College & State University Arts and Sciences Auditorium in Milledgeville.
Fulton County’s Webb Bridge Middle School, coached by Robert Swanson, Brenda Youngblood and Daria Fernalld, finished first. The Webb Bridge team emerged victorious in the final of four single-elimination rounds. Gwinnett County’s Trickum Middle School, coached by Linda LaPerre and Cary Sell, was first runner-up, and Muscogee County’s Midland Middle School, coached by Lisa Seegar and Sue Funk, was named second runner-up.
The PAGE Academic Bowl features teams of middle school students fielding questions on subjects ranging from Georgia history to mathematics, science, literature and the performing arts. Opposing teams compete against the clock to answer toss-up and bonus questions in order to score points. The goal of the program is to inspire students to excel academically, to enhance student self-confidence and self-esteem through high achievement and to encourage both a team and competitive spirit.
“This year’s championship event was especially competitive, and I offer my congratulations and appreciation to team members and their coaches for the many hours of study, practice and dedication that brought them to this final round of competition.  I know their parents, friends and school administrators are proud of them for a job well done.  I’d also like to thank GC&SU and the Collegiate Middle Level Association for allowing us once again the opportunity to have the State Finals at this outstanding university,” said Tom Wommack, president of the PAGE Foundation.
Statewide, more than 1,200 students competed in the event.
Members of the Richmond Hill Middle School Academic Bowl team and their coaches were joined by presenters following their Third Runner-up awards presentation at this year’s PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades State Championship. They included coach Sean Vandenhouten, DaMarcus Patterson, Josh Jordan, Rachel Hammesfahr, Peyton Ferguson, Kelly Bausam, Coach Susie Reed, PAGE Foundation President Tom Wommack and Editorial Page Editor for The Telegraph and PAGE Foundation Trustee Charles Richardson; and, front row, left to right,  PAGE president, PAGE Foundation trustee and Oconee County teacher Vickie Hammond, Kevin Zhu,Haley Guisinger, Matthew Overstreet, David London and Justin Schofield.