The Exchange Club of Effingham County hosted the 10th annual countywide Quick Think-a-Thon at Ebenezer Middle School last Thursday.

Out of the eight school winners participating, Kaitlyn Davis of South Effingham Elementary was named champion, with Stephen Kraeling of Marlow bringing in first runner-up and Oscar Medrano from Springfield taking second runner-up. Davis will be eligible to compete in the state competition in Brunswick.

The Quick Think-a-Thon is based on the Quick Think game where children in second grade respond to situations involving child abuse, abduction, peer pressure with alcohol, drugs, weapons, fire and medical emergencies, approaches by strangers and latch-key issues. With help from “The Fooser,” the game’s mascot, (Patrice Crawley) students learn how to respond appropriately in potentially unsafe situations. All Effingham County second graders played the game in their classrooms and then held schoolwide contests to determine who would represent them at the county competition.

Judges for the competition included Bonnie Dixon of the United Way, Leon Zipperer of the IDA, Michael Phillips of the City of Rincon, Pam Cox of the Board of Education, retired teacher Mose Mock, Harry Shearouse of Citizens Bank, and Emma Pazos. Scorekeepers were Taryn Knick and Mark Czachowski.

Master of ceremonies was Sonny Dixon of WTOC-TV.