Meridian public school students compete at reading fair

By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
Feb. 18, 2003
Northwest Junior High School student Jennifer Johnson said her entry in a Meridian School District Reading Fair came after she read "Diary of a Young Girl."
The book is based on the life of holocaust victim Anne Frank.
On Monday, Johnson displayed a large, self-standing board at the fair that outlined the book; Johnson won first place in the individual ninth- through 12th-grade competition.
Johnson was one of many Meridian public school students who competed for prizes in the school district's reading fair at Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus.
Carole Owen, fair coordinator, said the main emphasis of the school district and the event is to improve reading skills and encourage students to read.
Students competed in three levels: individual, family and group.
Judges for the competition included former teachers, educators and community citizens who are interested in education.
Winners received plaques and medals and will compete in the regional reading fair at MSU-Meridian Campus on March 6.