Will last year’s junior class successfully defend its Interclass trophy? That question will be answered on March 15.

The 113th interclass competition – it’s the community of Ada’s longest-standing tradition – takes place at 7 p.m., Friday, March 15, in the Ada school auditorium.

This year’s competition features contestants from Ada High School sophomores, juniors and seniors competing in:
• Essays
• Poetry
• Short stories
• Dramatic readings

New to this year’s competition is the “essay” category. It will be delivered by contestants as a persuasive speech.

Leading up to the competition is Interclass spirit week, from March 11 to 14.

This winner of each category for each grade level wins an open lunch for the winner and three friends. And, the overall category winners receive special parking spaces for the reminder of the school year.

During an intermission at the competition the Ada Academic Boosters will provide free refreshments.

The 2018 competition was won by the junior class. Individual winners were Erryk Katayama, a senior, for essay; Lyric Jones, a senior, for poetry; Austin Amburgey, a junior, for short story; and Jacob Colwell, a junior, for dramatic reading. 

Interclass history
Interclass was devised by Dr. C.H. Freeman the year he served as Ada principal. He went on to become a state legislator, introducing many bills including the Teachers Retirement Act. Then, he spent 43 years as head of the ONU English Department. Thus, the long-running Interclass contest is heavy on English: essay, poetry, short stories, readings.

PHOTO: Hefting high the 2018 trophy are (from left) Audrey Hazelton, Brendan Sheridan, Jacob Colwell, and Austin Amburgey.