Are you smarter than a Catholic school fifth grader? 

Several students from area Catholic schools put their teachers to the test Jan. 30 during the annual Catholic Schools Week celebration. Hosted by Mother Teresa Regional School, Atlantic Highlands, the contest was based on the popular game show, “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?”

Student and faculty representatives from Catholic schools in the Bayshore area participated to raise funds for the diocesan Foundation for Student Achievement which helps to provide the means for an exceptional Catholic education for children from families in financial need, inspiring them to realize their potential through the education and development of the mind, body and spirit.

Contestants included fifth grade students from each of the following schools, including Steven Clagett and Erin Craig with faculty representative Kimberley Reddan from Mother Teresa Regional, joined by Father William Dunlap, pastor, St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands; Julia Ventrone and Karen Rittenbach from St. Benedict, Holmdel; Andrew Colannino and Julia Wihs of St. Leo the Great, Lincroft, and Christopher Dinh and Peg Lewis from St. Rose of Lima, Freehold.

Rittenbach emerged victorious, having made it to the final round with Reddan who incorrectly answered a multiple choice question noting that a clarinet was the largest of the woodwind instruments.

The event raised $91 for the Foundation for Student Achievement with some 75 guests cheering on the contestants. Mrs. Michelle Taylor, fifth grade teacher at MTRS, served as host. 

Bowing to suggestions from the schools’ faculty, plans for a family feud type contest are already in the works for next year.

“We were pleased to have this event again during Catholic Schools Week.  It is a great event to showcase our Catholic Schools and come together for a great cause.” stated Melissa Whelan Wisk, MTR principal.