280 middle school students compete in Merced County pentathlon

Middle school students competing in the Merced County Academic Pentathlon had to demonstrate their knowledge in literature, mathematics, science, social science and the Super Quiz during the event, held earlier this month.

Results of the March 8 competition at Golden Valley High School were announced Wednesday during an awards ceremony. More than 280 sixth- through eighth-grade students competed in the event.

Sixth-graders had to answer questions about ancient Greece. Seventh-graders were grilled on medieval Africa and Islam, and eighth-graders fielded questions on U.S. history and geography from 1600 to 1800, according to a press release from the Merced County Office of Education.

Each team had nine members, three each from A honor, B scholastic and C varsity levels. The composition gave students a chance to develop skills working with others of different ability levels, motivation and interests.

The eighth-grade overall school winner was Hilmar Middle School, followed consecutively by Livingston Middle School, Le Grand Elementary School, Winton Middle School and Cesar Chavez Middle School in Planada.

The eighth-grade Super Quiz winner was Hilmar.

Hilmar was the overall school winner for the seventh grade, followed by Livingston, Le Grand , Winton and Weaver Middle School.

Cesar Chavez Middle School won the Super Quiz for seventh-graders.

The overall school winner for the sixth grade was Westside School, followed consecutively by R.M. Miano Elementary in Los Banos, Livingston, Thomas Olaeta Elementary in Atwater and Mercey Springs Elementary in Los Banos.

Westsidewon the sixth-grade Super Quiz.

This story was originally published March 18, 2014 at 6:41 PM with the headline "280 middle school students compete in Merced County pentathlon."