VALDOSTA — Valdosta City Schools held its second local Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Competition at the Valdosta High Performing Arts Center on January 31, 2015. Five elementary schools (J.L. Lomax, Pinevale, Sallas Mahone, S.L. Mason, W.G. Nunn), three middle schools (J.L. Newbern, Valdosta Middle, VECA, and two high schools (Valdosta High, Horne Learning Center) participated in the local bowl.

Sallas Mahone Elementary, J.L. Newbern, and Valdosta High won first place in their division and advanced to the South Regional Reading Bowl competition held on February 7, 2015 in the Dewar College of Education at Valdosta State University.

With approximately 25 teams participating in the bowl, Valdosta High School earned a 3rd place victory in the high school division, while Sallas Mahone secured a 2nd place win among the elementary schools and will advance to the Divisional Bowl in Statesboro, Georgia.

Jennifer Steedley: Director of Public Relations Valdosta City Schools