Match of wits: Sixth-graders 1, profs 0 New Hope sixth-grader Chance Burchfield holds up a card with his answer at the “Are You Smarter Than a 6th Grader?” competition held at Mississippi University for Women Thursday evening. Looking on is Dr. Kenneth G. Polizzi, professor of psychology in the College of Education and Human Sciences. Polizzi was one of six faculty members who participated in the competition / Chris Jenkins/MUW Office of Public Affairs
February 20, 2009
Sixth-grade school children challenged six college professors to a match of wits and trivia, and the professors got creamed.
The contest, “Are You Smarter Than A 6th Grader,” pitted New Hope Middle School sixth-graders against Mississippi University for Women faculty and staff.
The student team was made up of students from NHMS teacher Terry Coffey’s gifted class. The students who participated were Chance Burchfield, son of Rusty and Tanya Burchfield; Mary Grace Caldwell, daughter of Andy and Jennifer Caldwell; Trevor Gibson, son of Jay and Brenda Gibson; David Lewis, son of Kerry Lewis; Brittany Walker, daughter of Kris and Meredith Walker; and Abby Wilson, daughter of David and Bethany Wilson.
The MUW team was made up of education professor Kate Brown of the education department, Dr. Ken Polizzi of the psychology department, Dr. Dorothy Kerzel and Dr. Ross Whitwam, both of the Math and Science Department, Amy Swingle of campus recreation and Dr. Van Roberts of the communication department.
The sixth-graders took the lead early and never let up after Roberts â€" who specializes in film history â€" could not remember to which major American city Hollywood was closest (Los Angeles).
Roberts remained the weak link in the faculty team’s chain for the course of the contest. His record for correctly answering questions was 0-5.
The sixth-grade team, on the other hand, got not a single question wrong.
“I had a great time,” said Brittany Walker. “My favorite part was beating them.”
“Education is a wonderful thing, especially if you have it,” said Roberts.
“Are You Smarter Than A 6th Grader” was put together by the MUW Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society. Proceeds from the event went to the Sally Kate Winters Children’s Home in West Point. Sponsors included the Troubadours Social Club, Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s Pizza, The Grill and Chili’s.
Lydia Coffey Pierce, an English creative writing major at MUW, was in charge of the event.
“We’re hoping this will become an annual event which Mortar Board will continue,” Pierce said.
Congratulations to the 6th graders of New Hope. At first I felt that making this a annual event would be a good thing, I'd have to guess that the professors at the MUW beg to differ.
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