FCS Holds 2nd Annual Social Studies Championship at The Carter Center

The Fulton County Schools (FCS) social studies department held its second annual Jimmy Carter and Andrew Young Social Studies Championship at the Carter Center on December 14, 2024. Third through fifth-grade students from the two finalist schools, Crabapple Crossing Elementary School in Milton and Dolvin Elementary in Roswell School, competed for the first-place prize in a quiz bowl-style contest and debate. Georgia Public Broadcasting anchor and producer Orlando Montoya moderated the event.

“The tournament was a tremendous success, with students showcasing impressive debate skills, mastery of social studies knowledge, and remarkable effort,” said Crystal Flowers, FCS social studies program director. “It was truly amazing to have the support of colleagues, vendors, and title sponsors. Their presence and contributions were key to making the championship a memorable experience for students.”

Elementary schools across the district competed weekly from late October through late November in a process of elimination. The culminating championship event was held in the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library auditorium.

The Crabapple Crossing team included Arhant Jain, Andrew Cotey, Lincoln Bushey, Matthew DSilva, Preston Hoffman and Delia Fairchild. Crabapple Crossing student and fellow teammate Parker Yu was not present to compete but participated in the preliminary competitions. Representing Dolvin were Parth Bhasin, Mark Evans, Aryan Kommuri, Aleina Choi and Noelle Cheong. After a rigorous quiz bowl and challenging debate on the qualities of President Jimmy Carter regarding his work, Crabapple Crossing emerged as the winner. Palmetto Elementary School also received a nod for qualifying as the third-place finisher in the overall competition.

Director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum Dr. Meredith Evans opened the event, welcoming students, parents, district staff, and guests. Between competitions, Flowers acknowledged the FCS social studies department as the recipient of the 2024 Program of Excellence award from the Georgia Council for Social Studies for their work with the tournament during SY 2023-2024. Additional recognition went to sponsors including title sponsors, The DBQ Project and Atlanta History Center, as well as the Alliance Theater, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, Beat the Bomb Atlanta, The Escape Room, Judicial Council of Georgia, Six Flags Over Georgia, Marlowe's Tavern and Zoo Atlanta.

Adjudicating the competition were real life judges: Hon. Cassandra Kirk, Chief Magistrate Court judge; Hon. Todd Ashley, Magistrate Court judge; and Hon. Emily Richardson, Fulton Superior Court judge.