Enota Elementary vies for state title

GAINESVILLE – “They’re going to state!” That’s a phrase we’ve heard often this school year with all the success our local high school teams have had in football and basketball.

But the team I’m referring to is comprised of fourth and fifth graders - nine in total – and they‘re all students at Enota Elementary School. And they don’t need a ball for this competition; here they will be using books!

The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl determines the Georgia state champion and it is being held on Saturday, March 20, at the University of Georgia. Enota Elementary recently upended defending state champion R.N. Moore Elementary of Waleska, and Enota now moves to the championship round against Matilda Harris Elementary of Camden County.

Hank Robinson is one of three fourth graders on the nine-member team and he is ready. “I want to win the state for my coach. We’ve been practicing with our books and using buzzers to buzz-in when we know the answer. I can’t wait!” he said with confidence.

And it’s evident that the parents are as excited as the competitors. Amanda Anderson, mother of fourth-grade competitor Julia Ferguson, volunteered, “They’ve really worked hard for this. I know they’re going to bring home the trophy. It’s great for kids who are not involved in sports that are physical like basketball or football. They have this for competition and being part of a team.”

The team was given a vocal send-off Friday afternoon as teachers and fellow students lined the hallway, cheering the team wildly as they paraded by carrying their banner.

This will be the fourth time Enota is sending a team to the state championship.