Sampson County Schools

In the world of literature, few competitions compare to the Battle of the Books. At the middle and elementary schools, Sampson County Schools has been competing in them for over 21 years. According to the North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMA) which sponsors Battle of the Books, the philosophy behind this competition is to “encourage reading by all students”. Students read a variety of literature representing many different kinds of literary styles and viewpoints by renowned authors. 

At the middle level, students read 20 books selected by the NCSLMA. On the day of the competition, each team answers detailed questions relating to each book in a quiz bowl-type format. Teams consist of no more than 12 team members who have been reading, reviewing, and practicing since the beginning of the school year.

The annual SCS Middle Schools’ Battle of the Books (MBOB) competition was held on February 26 at the Midway High School auditorium with 42 students participating. Teams from all four middle schools competed in the day’s competition. 

After 12 rounds, Hobbton Middle placed first and will represent Sampson County in the Regional Competition on April 1 at the Southeastern Agricultural Center in Lumberton. Finishing in second place was the team from Midway Middle, third place was Roseboro-Salemburg Middle, and rounding out the competition was the team from Union Middle. 

Hobbton Middle’s 2024-2025 team members are: Johnathan Allen, Oliver Beltran Zuniga, Brady Daughtry, Camila De La Fuente Mazariegos, Evelyn ​Herrington, Caroline Hollin, Gabriel Hollin, Lorenzo Melendez, Analee Oliva Montes, Autumn Rountree, Anna Simmons, and Noah Sullivan. The team was coached by Sallie Warren and Doris Baker.

Midway Middle School team members are Isabella Bullard, Lillie Hood, Abby Jackson, Bailey Jackson, Sophie McQueen, and Cameron Price. The coach is Stormi Moore.

Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School team members are ​Perla Alonso, Ella Bartley, Melanie Dominguez, Alyssa Faircloth, Delanie Fernandez, Alayna Gatlin, Xiomara Martinez, Kaylin Masker, Victoria McCain, Olivia McDuffie, Amelia Rich, and Neli Rico. The coaches are Leigh Hairr and Jayden Long.

Union Middle School team members are Alexander Alviar-Flores, Maya Brooks, Malani Burton, Derf Canete, Kaitlin Faison, Troy Greenway, Carson Herring, Jesus Ramirez Torres, Angel Reyna Acosta, Emily Rivera, Mia Rodriguez, and Isabella Walker. The coach is Debbie Malahias.