It pays to do your homework - just ask the winners of last night's Otago Daily Times Extra! Central South Island Current Events Quiz.
Two Mid Canterbury schools took top honours - Mt Somers Springburn School in the years 5-6 category, and Ashburton Borough School in years 7-8.
More than 70 teams from Mid-South Canterbury and Waitaki battled it out for the top spot over both sections.
Ashburton Borough School's winning team, made up of Mitchell Farr (13), Kate McIlroy (12) and Harry McMillan (12), scored 97 points out of 100.
They led from the outset but they knew it was going to be tough. However, they
''kind of had that feeling'' they could win the top prize.
''We were in the lead at the very start,'' Harry said.
''The second time [placings were announced] we were tied with Waimate High School.''
Taking top honours is something Kate and Harry have experienced before - both were in a winning team two years ago. They agree studying pays off.
''Lots of it is watching the news, keeping up with what's going on around the world - it's quite important,'' Harry said. Waimate High School 4 was second with 95 points.
Waihi School 1, Ashburton Intermediate 3 and Mount Hutt College 6 were placed third equal with 92 points.
In the years 5-6 category, Mt Somers Springburn School 1 scored 94. The team included Eddie Millichamp (11), Sophie Adkins (10) and Murphy Kyle (10).
''I'm very happy,'' Eddie said, after the win.''
The group studied hard for the competition, mainly during their breaks at school.
''We do quizzes on the internet, and stuff,'' Murphy said.
They plan to defend their title next year in the years 7-8 category. Allenton School 4 came in a close second with 93 points.
In third place, Allenton School 3, Beaconsfield School 1 and Geraldine Primary School 1 each scored 90.
Extra! editor Ivan Behrnes said the event had some pleasing results.
''It's great to see a small country school from Mid Canterbury win it for the first time,'' he said, referring to Mt Somers Springburn School's win.
The event will continue tonight, with a further 63 teams battling it out for top spot in years 9 and 10.
-by Alexia Johnston
