Southern Regional Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl

The day was wet and overcast, but the glum weather did not put a damper on the Liberty County teams at the seventh annual Southern Regional Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl! Student teams from Bradwell Institute, Liberty County High, Lewis Frasier Middle, Midway Middle, Joseph Martin Elementary, and Waldo Pafford Elementary made the three hour tip to Valdosta State University.

In addition to the Liberty County Schools, four different elementary schools competed at the bowl. Brittin Elementary, Crooked River Elementary, Matilda Harris Elementary, and Westside Elementary. Six additional middle schools competed: Camden Middle, JL Newbern Middle, St. Mary's Middle, Thomas County Middle, Valdosta Early College Academy, and Valdosta Middle. Four additional high schools competed in the bowl: Alfred Ely Beach High, Colquitt County High, Sol. C. Johnson High, and Thomas County Central High.

The elementary and high schools participated in a total of five rounds of competition for a total of five hundred possible points. The middle schools participated in a total of seven rounds for a total of seven hundred possible points. All of the teams showed mastery of the reading selections and demonstrated a keen understanding of the rules of the bowl.

Liberty County School System was proudly represented at the bowl! In fact, Joseph Martin Elementary earned first place. Matilda Harris Elementary earned second place, and Westside Elementary earned third place. Camden County Middle school earned first place. Midway Middle earned second place. Lewis Frasier Middle earned third place. Liberty County High School earned first place. Alfred Ely High earned second place, and Sol. C. Johnson earned third place.

The first and second placing teams will advance to the Division II bowl! Liberty County will be represented by not one, not two, but an impressive three teams!