Johnston County Public Schools announced on March 13 that nine high school teams competed in the 2026 Battle of the Books High School District Competition, with Johnston County Early College Academy taking first place. About 100 students from grades 9 through 12 participated in the event, which tested their reading and teamwork skills.
The competition is part of a statewide program where students read books from a list chosen by state committees and answer quiz-bowl-style questions about them. Each team was required to read 16 books covering diverse genres. The event aims to encourage literacy and collaboration among students.
Kaye Menjivar, JCPS Digital Learning & Media Specialist, said, “Battle of the Books proves that literacy can be a team sport.” She added, “By engaging with complex texts and diverse viewpoints, high school students who participate in Battle of the Books sharpen the very skills, including critical thinking, vocabulary, and collaboration, that define academic excellence.” Menjivar also said, “More importantly, they cultivate an intellectual curiosity and passion for reading that doesn’t just prepare them for college, but enriches their entire journey beyond it.”
Johnston County Early College Academy earned top honors for the second year in a row. North Johnston High placed second and South Johnston High finished third. The winning team will advance to compete at the Region 3 Battle of the Books Competition on March 20 at Harnett County Schools Gentry Educational Center in Erwin.
Johnston County Schools serves communities in Johnston County, North Carolina according to the official website. The district fosters cultural diversity with students and families representing more than 45 languages according to the official website. It serves over 37,000 students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade according to the official website and features state-of-the-art facilities supported by community backing according to the official website. Johnston County Schools is also noted as the largest employer in Johnston County while offering services like student transportation and nutrition programs according to the official website. The district embraces a vision of empowering students to succeed in a global society according to the official website.
The next step for Johnston County Early College Academy will be competing against other schools at the regional level later this month.
