Under the bright lights of the Pickens County Board of Education meeting, a palpable sense of pride filled the room as students from local schools were recognized for their outstanding achievements in literacy. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as teacher Lauren Gilchrist invited the young winners to join her at the front, celebrating their hard work and creativity.

This year’s Pinkham’s Page Turners competition showcased the talents of students across the district, emphasizing the importance of reading and artistic expression. The awards ceremony highlighted the accomplishments of students from Hill City and Jasper Middle Schools, with categories ranging from book reviews to fan art and poetry.

Anna Hernandez from Harvey Elementary took home first place in the book review category, while her peers from Hill City Elementary, including Kate Mason and Matt McConnell, secured second and third places, respectively. The fan art segment saw Isabella Contreras from Hill City Elementary shine with her first-place entry, followed closely by Sarah from JMS and Amelia Meldrum, who earned second and third places.

In the poetry category, Atlas George led the way with a first-place win, while Lydia Bernard and Kate Mason from Hill City, along with Devin Kinsey from JMS, also received accolades for their poetic talents.

As the students gathered for a group photo, the appreciation for the school board's support echoed through the room. Their commitment to fostering such programs was acknowledged, underscoring the vital role they play in nurturing the educational landscape of Pickens County.

This celebration of literacy not only recognized individual achievements but also reinforced the community's dedication to encouraging young minds to explore the world of books and creativity. As the meeting concluded, the excitement lingered, leaving attendees eager for the next opportunity to witness the talents of their local students.