Washington University’s annual German Day held on April 4 featured Liberty competing in trivia, spelling bee, skits, reciting poems, posters and even a scavenger hunt against 20 other schools across the region.

During the Declamation contest, as senior Luke Carter was announced to recite a poem, in front of about 400 students, students of Liberty cheered, whistled and clapped for him leaving the dean to say, “And I think he has a fan club at Liberty.”

Overall in the declamation contest, freshman Maddie Sanderson and junior Dessa Outman tied for third.

“I got help from friends and from Mr. Stoll,” freshman Julia Amery said. “I was able to practice in front of the class.”

German students made their teacher Mr. Stoll proud with their efforts at Wash U. Highlights included Dessa Outman taking third place level III declamation, Maddie Sanderson third place level I declamation and Madelyn Birkhead second place poster competition.

The advanced trivia was held completely in German, with about 20 teams, two for each school, competing. First place was Edwardsville, second place was Ladue and third place was Champaign.

The beginning trivia was in English and answers were accepted in English. First place went to Waterloo, second place to Belleville West and third place to Washington.

Although the weather was rainy and humid, it was overall a great experience for the German students and teachers. Some students even played cards between events. 

“The rain couldn’t keep our spirits down,” Mr. Stoll said. “We showed up and competed well. Everybody brought their A game and it inspired younger students.”