The Colonnade 2017 (The Steward School) Issue 31 | Page 6

Upper Schoolers Compete in WTVR ’ s Battle of the Brains
STEWARD NEWS
Scan here to watch Steward vs . King George High School in Battle of the Brains !
Upper Schoolers Compete in WTVR ’ s Battle of the Brains
A competition of knowledge against another school is nervewracking enough , let alone one that will be broadcast on local television . But a group of Steward Upper School students can basically call themselves professionals after taking part in two sessions of WTVR CBS 6 News ’ Battle of the Brains .
After students passed a pre-test to qualify , Steward was selected to take part in the competition this past fall . During the first match , which was filmed in September and aired in early October , four Steward students defeated a team from King George High School .
In the second match , the Spartans fought a hard battle , but succumbed to Midlothian High School . The match , which features ninth graders Sonali Sanjay and Sachin Sanjay , junior Nicole Teichner , and senior Cole Bassett , will air on Saturday , January 28 at 10 a . m . During each
match , participants were asked a variety of questions ranging from mathematics and history to pop culture trivia and sports facts . To prepare , students met in Upper School science teacher Eric Hopp ’ s classroom during lunches to answer Jeopardy questions and play Trivial Pursuit .
“ I think it ’ s important for students to have a solid base of knowledge to build upon as they move into college , and this event helps build that base for students ,” Mr . Hopp said . “ I hope to continue getting more students involved with Battle of the Brains in the future .”
SAVE THE DATE
February 2-4
February 8
February 25
March 29 March 30 April 19
April 22
April 27-29
April 28 May 11 May 12
May 15 May 17 June 1 June 2 June 4 June 5
6 | The Colonnade
Winter Play , Sense and Sensibility
Visiting Innovator Barrington Irving
Parents Association Gala and Auction
Senior Showcase Lower School Oratorical
Visiting Innovator Leah Buechley
Steward Spring Invitational and Debbie Robson Pancakes for a Purpose
Spring Play , Once On This Island
Spring Social and Art Walk Lower School Spring Program
Lower School Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Spring Instrumental Concert Spring Choral Concert Grade 5 Recognition Assembly Grade 8 Recognition Assembly Baccalaureate Graduation

Middle School Student Council Initiates Annual Speaker Series

In an effort to make a bigger impact on student culture this year , the Middle School Student Council began hosting unique events and speakers to bring about awareness on important societal topics , such as using technology wisely and instilling a culture of anti-bullying .
In September , Steward hosted a public showing of the documentary film Screenagers for the community as well as a special showing of the film for students in grades 5-8 . Directed by Delaney Ruston , M . D ., Screenagers focuses on the impact of the digital age on children and how to help them minimize harmful effects and find balance .
“ The film made me realize that too much time on electronics can be harmful , but having some time participating in meaningful activities is alright ,” eighth grader Asa Shield said . “ This was an interesting and new idea for me .”
In November , George Dennehy , a musician born without arms who sings and plays instruments with his feet , spoke to grades 5-8 during an anti-bullying assembly . Mr . Dennehy told students about growing up feeling “ different ” from everyone else and impressed upon them the importance of acceptance .
“ It ’ s important for us to celebrate our differences ,” he said . “ When we understand that we ’ re all different , we can treat each other with respect .”
Middle School Dean of Students Mark Nugent , who advises the student council , said the goal of discussing these important issues is to promote the theme of caring and respecting oneself and others . The council hopes to bring 3-4 speakers to campus per year moving forward .
“ We want students to realize there ’ s a world outside themselves ,” he said . “ We need to be aware of the world around us and realize that our actions affect other people so we can learn to talk with one another openly and respectfully .”