Riderwood Community Answers the Question “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”

Seven of Riderwood’s sharpest residents and staff members competed against 5th grade students from the Beltsville Academy in “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” a charity event to raise money to purchase Scholastic News magazines for each of the students so they can use the magazines for school assignments.

Riderwood resident and event volunteer Jo Fannon was animated and energetic while taking tickets and helping people find seats, “This is one of the most fun events we’ve had in a while – more than 300 people bought tickets and it’s very exciting!”

Bromley Love, creator of the popular children’s character YoJo, emceed the event, introducing the contestants as well as local celebrities Kaila Burns-Heffner, the reigning International Junior Miss Maryland Jr. Teen, and Lauren Jones, Miss Maryland Teen.

The competition was good-spirited, with the Riderwood contestants playing to win, while having fun with the crowd at the same time. Resident participant Gordon Hawkins remarked “It’s been so long since I was in 5th grade that I’ve forgotten what I’ve forgotten!”

“The Brainiacs,” a group of five female Riderwood residents cheered for the contestants, replete with cheerleading outfits, pom-poms and original cheers.

In addition to the $5 tickets, proceeds from a pre-show raffle featuring prizes donated by Riderwood residents, resident-run groups and staff departments went towards the purchase of the magazines for the Beltsville Academy Students.