Smarter than a 5th grader?

You know what a right angle is (right?), and, though you might misspell it, how photosynthesis works. You know, pretty much, when the earlier train from Chicago meets the faster train from New York. You might even know the capital of Nebraska –without Googling it.

But are you really, truly smarter than a 10-year-old?

The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation presents the second annual Are You Smarter Than a Sonoma Valley Fifth-Grader? fundraiser on Saturday, April 23.

The spontaneous, family-friendly competition is a local take on the popular TV game show hosted by Jeff Foxworthy. The local version, where local celebrities team with public school fifth graders to vie for the coveted lunch box champion’s trophy, will be emceed by Mark Danon of KRON 4 Morning News.

“We all know that today’s fifth graders are way smarter than most adults, so we team a couple of students with each contestant,” explained SVEF Executive Director Laura Zimmerman. “It’s especially fun to come watch your friends squirm a bit. After all… what is the capital of Uruguay?”

Competitors include: Infineon President Steve Page, local promoter Michael Coats, Founder & CEO of Socialogue Chip Roberson, actor Squire Fridell, animal lover, Rotarian and marketing guru Rich Lee, former Marine Fighter Pilot Ed McCormick, a top scholar from Sonoma Valley High School and The Sun’s Jody Purdom.
More contestants will be announced.
Danon has lived in Sonoma for five years with his wife Dana, son Jake, aged eight, and Izzy J, the golden retriever. He joined KRON 4 in January of 2002.

In front of the event’s live audience at the Veterans Building, Danon will ask questions from the 5th Grade California State Standards in Math, Science, Social Studies and English.

Guests and contestants will be able to enjoy casual food, beer and local wine for sale, a silent auction, raffle and Fund a Need for the Exploratorium Science Program. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 a person at svgreatschools.com or 935.9566.

The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation has raised over $3.6 million dollars over the past 17 years including $1.3 million for Sonoma Valley High School, $716,000 for technology enhancements throughout the school district, $533,000 for advanced computer skills training for teachers and $430,000 for reading, writing and literacy programs district-wide.