Twice As Many of His Classmates Competed (but Nobody Made it to the Final Round)

practicing their "duo interp" of ROARR: CALDER'S CIRCUS

finding their first round room assignments

one last pep-talk

watching their (older and more experienced) competition

they had to perform three times, in front of three different judges and a roomful of fellow contestants (oh and two moms, ahem)

“Preposterous people, ridiculous rascals, 

and colicky children of all ages…"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
(they didn't make it to the last round -- but nobody did,
and so we got to leave early and I made it home in time to kiss Aliza goodnight)

really, is it possible to utter the words "SIXTH GRADER" without chuckle-sighing, half-smiling, and shaking your head in disbelief and wonder?

Yay for the NJFL!!!

Ander may have found his 'team sport' (his teacher did in fact letter in speech and debate in high school).