The 16th annual Deborah Heart Challenge and Art Contest took place February 23. This year, nine schools competed in the fast-paced, energetic, and difficult competition. Moorestown Friends competed against  Pemberton (the host school), Northern Burlington, Seneca, Maple Shade, Lenape, Cherry Hill West, Shawnee, and Cherokee. The new emcee was the CBS 3 Eyewitness News Anchor Pat Ciarrocchi. The panel of judges was comprised of  Dr. Matthew Samra, Dr. Betsy Schloo, and Dr. John Cooper. The Challenge consisted of four rounds.

Round 1: 15 rapid fire buzzer questions (5 pts per correct answer)

Round 2: Student round, one question for each student (15 pts per correct answer)

Round 3: 3 group questions per team that increase in difficulty (40 pts per correct answer)

Round 4: 10 minute rapid fire round (25 pts per correct answer and 25 pts penalty per incorrect answer)

Lenape dominated the first round, seizing a 65-point lead by the end of the second round.  MFS correctly answered two of three questions in the third round, better than the success of many other schools in that round.  The third round was particularly difficult because two-part questions had to be answered entirely correctly in order for the team to get any credit for that question. Lenape took control again in the fourth round to finish off the win.  Following Lenape, Shawnee finished second, Pemberton placed third, followed by Northern Burlington in fourth.  MFS received an Honorable Mention, coming in sixth place overall.

Upon being asked about the Heart Challenge, senior and participant Annmarie Stockinger replied,“We might not have won but I am still super proud of our showing at the Deborah Heart Challenge. I feel like I am leaving the team in very capable hands. Great job guys.”