(Front row, L-R): Harlie Middleton, Mackenzie Powell, Urvi Patel, Joy Dancer, Jakya Smith, Chandler Alday, Aden Strickland; (second row): Douglas Roney, Conner Pickle, Britany Richardson, Chris Stovall, Aniya Holmes, Kennedy Jester, Roland Godfrey, Michelle Nguyen; (back row): Wil Walton, Christopher Franklin, Jordan Roberts, Adam Bunch, Wil Cook, Brian Williams, Ashton Chambers, Steven Crankfield, Donna Godfrey; (not pictured): Sven Richardson, Tamia Calloway On March 2, the MCES lunchroom was filled with excitement as those in attendance awaited the arrival of the Cat in the Hat, visited the Book Fair, listened to a good book read aloud, and were entertained by our third, fourth, and fifth grade chorus. There were over 300 parents, students, and staff on hand for the celebration. It was a great turnout and a tremendous show of support for our students and their education. During the day the students had community readers in their classrooms to read a book. These guest readers stressed that reading is important and fun. Our guest readers for the day were Holly Thomas, Debbie Enfinger, Cheryl Griffin, Lance Roland, Renee Haire, Jason Houston, Shannon Dunaway, Martha Cox, Larry King, Terri Pickle, Diane Copeland, Dawn Shepard, Tina Brooks, Leslie Godwin, Debra Calhoun, Debbie Clarke, Robert McIntosh, Beth Mithen, Cleve Roland, Frank Killingsworth, Coach Grimes, Lori Williams, and Kristan Houston. We would like to thank the readers for their participation.

Highest parent attendance (front row, L-R): Bailey Wiggins, Autumn Cason, Brianna Kelly, Adre’ana Etheredge; (back row) Max Gowan, Ms. Becky LaGuardia, Hudson Givens, Michaela Hernandez, Connor Vann, Ellen Bryan, Nathan Weeks, Zach Torres; (not pictured) Sydney Thomas During the evening our third, fourth, and fifth grade chorus performed under the leadership of Mrs. Holly Thomas. Mayor Jerry Chapman signed the Read Across America Proclamation. Leading up to this night the students Pre-K through fifth grade had participated in different competitions. The winners and honorable mentions were recognized on stage for their hard work. Miss Donna Godfrey’s class won the pizza party for raising the most money for the library. Mrs. Temika Brown’s and Mrs. Angela King’s classes were in close second and third place and were given an ice cream party. The class with the highest overall percentage of parents in attendance was Mrs. Becky LaGuardia’s fifth grade class. They won the attendance trophy and a pizza party. We are so proud of our students and their parent participation.

Pre-K - Dr. Seuss Hat (L-R): winner, Hannahbeth Chapman; second place, Landon George; third place, Jalynn Corriveau; honorable mention: Kyler Norman, Vince Andrews; (not pictured): Jessica Newberry The MCES staff would like to thank everyone who supported this event and helped to make it such a success. Remember, your are never too old, too wacky, or too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child. (All photos submitted)
Kindergarten - Dr. Seuss Birthday Card (L-R): winner, Gavin Friedlieb; second place, Brady Brunson; third place, Lyric Moore; honorable mention, Kaylyn Bradley, Jadia Medina, Chloe Ard
First Grade - Wacky Socks (L-R): winner, Alexis Snell, Jacey Cox; second place, Roshonda Florence; third place, Carter Ann Houston; honorable mentions, Alayna Maloy, Nikeria Key, Breanna Marshall
Second grade - Poster Illustrating Favorite Book (L-R): winner, Taylor Faulkner; second place, Joy Dancer; third place, Douglas Roney; honorable mention, Dylan Clenney, Matthew Cox; (not pictured) Jack Mathis
Fourth Grade - Literacy Bag (L-R): winner, Kayla Smith; second place, Reagan Bellflower; third place, Ty Stovall; honorable mention, Qiang Wang, Amber Walters, Leslie Roseborough
Third grade - Bookmark (L-R): winner, Dalton Spence; second place, Kate Pope; third place, Abby Cleveland; Honorable mention, Maci Greene, Austin Adams, Madison Bradley
Fifth Grade - Essay winners (L-R): Winner, Autumn Cason; second place, Rhyan Brice; third place, Breanna Kelly; honorable mention, Sydney Thomas, Adrea’ana Etheredge, Tate Bryan