Under the bright lights of the Clayton County Board of Education meeting, a wave of excitement filled the room as the achievements of young readers were celebrated. The evening was marked by the recognition of the winning teams from the 2nd annual Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, a spirited competition that showcased the literary talents of students from 26 elementary schools across the district.

These young scholars, representing kindergarten through third grade, demonstrated their knowledge of 20 picture books nominated for the prestigious Georgia Picture Book Award. After an intense series of six rounds, culminating in a tie-breaker, the top teams emerged, earning their place in the spotlight.

Tara Elementary School and Oliver Elementary School proudly took home the second and third place medals, respectively, while the champions of the evening hailed from Sweatt Elementary School. The room erupted in applause as the winning team members—Mason Taylor, Wakanda Silla, Kaylee Sims, Joseph Hahn, Zoliah Thompson, and Jared Wilkerson—were called forward to receive their accolades.

This celebration not only highlighted the students' hard work and dedication but also underscored the importance of fostering a love for reading in the community. As the evening concluded, the Board of Education reaffirmed its commitment to supporting literacy initiatives, ensuring that the joy of reading continues to thrive in Clayton County.