In a remarkable display of literary prowess, April LaHayne’s 4th-grade class at Demorest Elementary School has soared to the top of the reading charts. They clinched a prestigious 1st place in Georgia and a remarkable 2nd place nationally in a global reading competition.
Dubbed “LaHayne’s Reading Magic,” the 22 student team embarked on a reading marathon that spanned four weeks. The reading competition coincided with the excitement of the College Football National Championship and Super Bowl Sunday.
The mission
Their mission: to devour as many minutes of reading as possible and emerge victorious in the seventh annual READBowl 2024-Read with Malcolm competition. The competition is sponsored by Share the Magic Foundation.
Facing off against a staggering 280,000 students from across all 50 states and 14 countries, LaHayne’s class proved their dedication and determination. They amassed an average of 77,530 minutes of reading per week. The team consistently ranked among the top performers, securing 2nd, 1st, 2nd, and 5th positions over the four-week period.
LaHayne recounted the boys’ enthusiasm for the challenge, as they swapped video games for books and embraced the competition wholeheartedly.
“After all of their (students) hard work, I was hopeful we would be crowned state champion,” she reveals. Even with the success of her students during the competition, she states, “That did not stop me from screaming and dancing first thing in the morning when the announcement was made.”
Just missed national title
Despite narrowly missing out on the national title, LaHayne remains undeterred, already setting her sights on next year’s competition with aspirations for grand championship glory.
The head of communications for the competition informed her after the announcement that LaHayne’s Reading Magic “were extremely close to claiming the national title.” After that news, she states, “That lit my competitive fires even further. Next year, we are running for grand champions!!!”
Demorest Elementary School Principal Lana Jones shared in the excitement. “In hearing the class placed 2nd nationally and was named Georgia State champion, I was elated!!” she states.
Jones expressed her pride for LaHayne and her students. “I am tremendously proud of Ms. LaHayne for her innovative approach in motivating her students to read. I commend her 4th grade students in the dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit they demonstrated toward this reading goal.”
The READBowl 2024-Read with Malcolm competition aims to instill a love of reading in students worldwide. The competition was spearheaded by former UGA and NFL wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell’s Share the Magic Foundation. Mitchell commended all participants and celebrated the outstanding achievements of the state and national champions. He overcame his own reading challenges to achieve NFL success.
“Winning a state championship is always prestigious,” said Mitchell.
He adds, “However, this year is especially notable. There were more than 280,000 students from all 50 states and 14 countries on the reading field for the big game this year. I am so proud of every student who competed and congratulate our state and national champions.”
