This is an incentive for the 21st century.
A Maylong e-reader and tablet computer are on the line for the West Oktibbeha Elementary third-through-sixth grader who earns the high score on the Mississippi Curriculum Test 2 practice test later this month and the student who scores highest on the actual MCT 2.
The Clover Street Project, a non profit organization founded by Starkville Police Officer Freddie Bardley and his wife, Sherrye, is offering the e-readers along with the usual $1,000 scholarships to a East Oktibbeha High School and West Oktibbeha High School senior this year.
“We feel this school district is pretty much overlooked,” said Bardley Friday at West Oktibbeha. “The goal today is to get kids motivated for the MCT 2 test by offering the e-reader. We want to show kids there are people out there that care about them and are concerned about them.”
Bardley spoke to the sixth graders at West Oktibbeha Elementary Friday and read portions of the book “Little Bad Tyrone,” by West Point author Amy Deanes. The e-reader ties in with Bardley”s emphasis on the importance of reading to all academic subjects.
Braylon Fisher, 12, a student in Kristy Moore”s sixth grade class at West Oktibbeha said he”ll be studying to win the e-reader, but it won”t be easy.
“I”m going to have to put my phone up for a while and turn off the TV. Unplug it and get my books out,” he said.
Antwanique Bell, 12, has her eye on the e-reader as well. She said she”d put the e-reader to good use reading “Harry Potter” and “Junie B. Jones” books.
When the results of the MCT 2 practice test are received in early April, Bardley said West Oktibbeha will hold a pep rally at which he will announce the winner and present the e-reader. A second presentation will be made for the MCT 2 high scorer. Those results will arrive in June or July.
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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