Schools
Video Game Tournament Connects Coginchaug Students
23 students recently participated in the Madden 2013 tournament, an after school activity that school officials say fits in with the school district's strategic plan.
It turns out that video games aren't so bad after all.
Last week, nearly two dozen Coginchaug High School students signed up to play in the Madden 2013 tournament, an after school activity that bucks the video-game stereotype.
Find out what's happening in Durham-Middlefieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"We're really trying to engage kids that otherwise wouldn't be engaged," said library media specialist Tracy Earnshaw. "[The tournament] falls under the strategic plan, by creating diverse social experiences."
Earnshaw said the tournament began as a senior service project three years ago. Students who participate pay a $2 entry fee which is donated to Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown.
Find out what's happening in Durham-Middlefieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Prizes are awarded to the top players but the most important reward is getting students to interact with classmates who they might not otherwise interact with.
"We're trying to connect all of the kids to the school," Earnshaw said.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.