Bassfield High students were challenged to step up their book reading using an innovative system developed by a committee comprised of BHS Principal Will Russell and high school teachers. By reading books from an approved list students can earn points toward prizes to be awarded the end of October, at Christmas break and at the end of school.

“Reading is the foundation for learning,” states BHS Principal Will Russell. “President Clinton began a program emphasizing three essentials: phonics, phonetic awareness and fluency, President Bush initiated No Child Left Behind adding every child to be proficient and we have not met that goal. President Obama has added two more essential components: vocabulary and reading comprehension.”

Coach Lance Mancuso explained the program to the students who were gathered in the Yellow Jacket football field stands, student Justin Ducksworth demonstrated an expressive reading and the cheerleaders led students in a “Let’s Read” cheer.

Probably the biggest visual motivation for participation in the program, however, was parked on the football field: a long gleaming white limousine. The grand prize of the reading challenge is a limo ride to Hattiesburg and funds for a shopping spree.