Cornwall College teacher Margaret Craigie (left) presents the Oswald Hines Stationery Trophy to Darren Morand, captain of the winning team in this year's Cornwall College House Challenge. Also in the picture are his team members, Richard Merchant (third left, front row), Carnel Campbell (middle row, second right) and Lorenzini Grant (middle row, right). Looking on in the background are (from left) Vice-Principal Lincoln Reid, Corysa Salmon, Principal Denham McIntyre, and Jaime Hutchinson. - Andewale McLaughlin/Citizen photographer

After three weeks of intense action, the Cornwall College House Challenge Quiz Competition culminated on Monday.

Each of Cornwall's six houses - Baker, Barrett, Jackson, Kerr, Leader and Lockett - fielded a team for the competition. The team members were taken from grades seven to nine classes.

The final play-off, which took place on Monday, saw Leader and Jackson fighting down to the final bell.

Both teams were locked on eight points at the end of the first section.

Leader stepped up the pace in the second round and gained a five-point advantage ending the section on 19 points.

Then, it was on to the electrifying buzzer section, which saw Jackson creeping up on Leader.

However, at the end of it, it was Leader who gained the upper hand in the 'battle of wits' to cop the Oswald Hines Stationery Trophy.

Darren Morand, captain of the winning team, stated that it was not an easy road to the top. But with determination, confidence and motivation, his team was able to overcome all odds on their campaign to glory.

Quiz coordinator Margaret Craigie was satisfied with the way the competition went as this was the first time in recent years that it was being held at the house level.

She was also pleased with the level of support which the competition received. She was especially grateful to the sponsors, who came on-board and the other teachers of her quiz committee.

She was also thankful to the Red Gold (Cornwall's newspaper) news team for their coverage of the competition.

Principal Denham McIntyre, who observed the events of the final showdown, was also equally elated. "After seeing this match today (Monday), I am convinced now more than ever that the future of this institution is secure in the hands of some very capable young men," he said.

He also expressed his optimism that Cornwall College will take home the TVJ's Schools' Challenge Quiz Trophy in the near future.

Special prizes were also awarded to outstanding individuals and teams.

Some of these prizes weredonated by businesses in Montego Bay.