by Davy James, Staff Writer
The question is posed to a television viewing audience coast to coast on a weekly basis and one Monmouth Junction resident has proven she is, in fact, smarter than a fifth-grader.
Ria Anand, a third-grader at Monmouth Junction Elementary School, recently won three desktop computers and a printer for her school when she submitted a question that was used during an episode of the Fox Network’s game show, “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?”
”We were watching the show then they asked my question and my name and my school’s name popped up on the bottom of the screen,” Ria said. “We were very excited, me and my brother started screaming.”
The show, which is broadcast Fridays at 8 p.m., allows students to submit questions to use on the show through Fox’s Web site at www.fox.com. Anyone who submits a question used on the show wins three computers and a printer for their school.
”We watch the show as a family and Ria was really interested in sending a question in,” said Mohit Anand, Ria’s father. “She goes to the library every weekend with her mom and brother and she likes to read. We’re very proud of her.”
After looking through several books, Ria used her love of animals to come up with a question, which she submitted in June.
”I kind of like to read about gorillas so I decided on that,” Ria said. “I liked the question and was thinking they would choose it.”
Ria sent in the following question: In terms of average weight, which animal is the largest living member of the ape family? The answer is a gorilla. During the show, an adult contestant got the answered the question correctly.
School officials received a letter over the summer informing them the question may be used in an upcoming episode. When the question was asked on the Sept. 19 broadcast of the show, Monmouth Junction Elementary School’s principal, Maribeth Edmunds, was just as surprised as the Anands.
”It was certainly a delightful surprise and nice for Monmouth Junction to get national coverage,” Dr. Edmunds said. “We held an assembly and had Ria come up and tell everyone about her experience and share her question.”
Dr. Edmunds said that Ria is a great example for all students and staff in the community.
”This is an absolutely wonderful opportunity to showcase for kids the idea that learning goes far beyond the school day,” Dr. Edmunds said. “Her initiative is a great example for kids and adults that we all have a lot to contribute.”
The Anands and school officials haven’t received word about when the computers will arrive. Ria is currently basking in the glow of her accomplishment and enjoying the fruits of her local brush with fame.
”My friends are all very proud of me and I’m a tad more popular,” Ria said. “People have been much nicer to me. Except my brother because he’s jealous.”

