What unfolded was a celebration of curiosity, teamwork and the kind of enthusiasm that only young readers can generate when they’ve spent months diving into stories and can’t wait to show what they’ve learned.

Middle school students in grades 6 to 8 and elementary school students in grades 4 and 5 formed teams of two or three and spent the fall reading a list of 12 books that stretched their imaginations and challenged their comprehension. Fantasy adventures, historical fiction, mysteries, heartfelt contemporary stories — every genre had a place, and every student found something to love.

By the time competition week arrived, the excitement was unmistakable. These were readers who had lived inside their books, debated characters, memorized details and built friendships around shared stories.

The competition featured three lively rounds that kept the energy high and the pages turning. The traditional buzzer round rewarded quick recall, with teams buzzing in the moment they recognized a plot twist or character detail. The technology-based round shifted the focus to accuracy, giving every team with a correct digital answer the chance to score. The relay round added movement and strategy, sending students racing across the room to answer questions and regroup with teammates when needed.

Submitted photo
The Bookaneers from Mifflin County Middle School in Lewistown captured first place in the recent Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11’s Annual Reading Competition. Pictured are, from left, Adalyn Lutz, Mia Clark and Lennin Ruble.

Each round highlighted a different strength — speed, precision, collaboration — and students embraced all three with contagious enthusiasm.

Participation surged this year, adding to the excitement. Nearly 60 middle school students took part — up from 39 last year — and the brand-new elementary division drew 58 eager young readers for its inaugural run, said Stephanie Daniels, curriculum consultant for the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11.

“Last year’s event was offered only to middle school students; however, due to high interest, a fourth- and fifth-grade division was added this year,” Daniels explained.

Their energy filled the space, proving that reading is not just an academic skill but a source of joy, confidence, and community. The cheers after a well-earned point, the high-fives between rounds and the proud smiles from teammates all reflected the same truth: these students weren’t just competing — they were celebrating their love of books.

Middle school winners

Submitted photo
The elementary school competition winners from the recent Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11’s Annual Reading Competition. Pictured are, back row from left, first place, Monty Stewart, Jackson Spicher and Daniel Schonberg, of the Stone Valley Community Charter School Bees from the charter school. In second place, front row from left, were the Three Pink Ponies’ David Anderson and Amelia Thierwechter, of Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Lewistown. Adelene Shank is not pictured.

The Bookaneers from Mifflin County Middle School in Lewistown captured first place with a performance that blended quick thinking, deep comprehension and impressive teamwork. Adalyn Lutz, Mia Clark, and Lennin Ruble navigated all three rounds with poise and enthusiasm, earning the top spot.

The Southern Fulton Tribe from Southern Fulton Elementary in Warfordsburg, Fulton County — Braylynn Bowers, Morgan Williams and Hunter Conrad — claimed second place with steady scoring and strong collaboration, representing their district with pride.

Elementary winners

The elementary division brought its own wave of excitement, with students showing remarkable preparation and a genuine love of reading. The Stone Valley Community Charter School Bees from the charter school — Monty Stewart, Jackson Spicher and Daniel Schonberg — earned first place with a balanced, thoughtful performance.

The Three Pink Ponies from Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Lewistown secured second place, with team members David Anderson, Amelia Thierwechter and Adelene Shank working together with determination and heart.

Across both days, the competitions highlighted something bigger than scores or trophies. They showed what happens when young people discover the power of stories — how reading builds confidence, sparks imagination, and brings students together in ways that feel both joyful and lasting.

Participating districts at the middle school included: Juniata County, Mifflin County, Forbes Road, Huntingdon Area, Juniata Valley and Southern Fulton. At the elementary level, participating districts were: Mifflin County, Mount Union Area, Sacred Heart of Jesus School Central Fulton, Forbes Road and Stone Valley Community Charter School.

“We were also grateful to have student volunteers from Mifflin County High School and Huntingdon Area High School assist with the competitions,” Daniels said.