It starts with a question. It continues with two teams of students focusing, searching their minds, and reacting quickly to claim 10 points. It ends with one team claiming a first place trophy and bragging rights in the realm of reading and literature.

Readers from 12 high schools, 18 middle schools and 50 elementary schools competed for glory on Saturday, January 26 as part of the 2019 Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl at DeKalb County School District (DCSD).

The competition, which has tested students’ reading comprehension and recall since 1986, pits two teams against one another in a Jeopardy-style contest. The subject matter includes 20 books for high school students, 10 books for middle school students, and another 10 books for elementary school students.

Mrs. Helen Ruffin, a media specialist at the former Sky Haven Elementary School, created the competition to foster a love of reading in children across Georgia, and to introduce them to books of literary excellence.

The grounds for the competition—Arabia Mountain High School—proved to be tense as schools from throughout DeKalb County faced off. In classrooms filled with spirited students, advising coaches, and on-looking parents, the competition took many twists and turns.

Questions and answers were challenged based on vagueness. Points were awarded based on accuracy. Playoff rounds were hosted based on performances that called for yet another round of competition.

In the end, winners emerged victorious and claimed not just a trophy, but advancement to the next round of competition.

First- and second-place teams in each grade level will advance to the regional competition. The Metro Regional round of the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl will be held on February 2 at Clayton State University. A divisional round will take place on March 2 at DeKalb Early College Academy, and a final state round will take place on March 30 at the University of Georgia.

2019 Reading Bowl Winners