Connect Four In The Caldwells: Students Compete, Have Fun

West Caldwell, NJ - Fifth-grade students at Wilson Elementary School in West Caldwell recently participated in their annual Connect Four competition.

Held during lunch on Fridays, fifth graders at the school participate in the non-athletic, non-academic, one-on-one competition to earn bragging rights and their name in the winner’s spot on a poster hung prominently in the school’s cafeteria.

School officials said that this year’s competition “was a bit tougher” than past competitions, as the two finalists had to outmaneuver their nearly 60 peers to earn their place in the final round.

“I like this competition because everyone has a fair chance of winning,” said Principal Scott Keena. “It is voluntary, although everybody usually plays, and it is always fun to see which two students make it to the final round.”

This year, “good friends” Harry Boland and Jordan Catrambone competed for the title of Connect Four champion, with Catrambone eventually triumphing, school officials said.

“The fifth graders really look forward to the competition,” added Keena. “It is something special just for them, and it is a great way to bring students from different classrooms, different activities and different interests together.”

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Photo: Caldwell-West Caldwell School District