Suffice it to say, the Lyle Creek Elementary School students are pumped for the End-of-Grade tests.

    The school hosted cheerleaders, basketball players and golfers on Monday to stage a pep rally for the EOGs, which begin today in Catawba County Schools.

    "We're going to have some fun because you all have had such a good year," Principal Leslie Barnette said. "We're here to make sure your in a good mood and ready to start testing."    

    During the event, one student received national recognition, as her artwork will be featured on the Friday and Saturday tickets to the Greater Hickory Classic. Taylor Crooks, courtesy of the GHC, received a $100 savings bond, along with $100 for her teacher and $500 for Lyle Creek Elementary.

    Crooks' artwork depicts a sunny-day golfer and was chosen out of 500 entries from five counties and 14 schools.

    Prior to the award, Bunker Hill High School Athletic Director Jim Woodruff told students about opportunities for summer camp at the high school, adding the high school will be hosting camps for many of the high school sports.

    Following the pep rally, the students played a game of "Are you smarter than the teachers?" where students flawlessly answered several testing questions.