On Feb. 14, Union County Public Schools launched the 2024 Books and Brackets reading challenge. Modeled after the March Madness basketball competition, Books and Brackets is a five-week reading challenge for the district's 30 elementary schools.

As the competition heats up week after week, students across the district dive into their books with dedication, determined to secure a spot in the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Final Four. At Walter Bickett, smiles were abound as students eagerly flipped through their books, preparing to advance to the next stage of the challenge. The hard work paid off for them and 15 other schools. 

The Sweet 16 schools were announced on Feb. 22. They include Antioch, Fairview, Hemby Bridge, Kensington, Marvin, New Salem, New Town, Poplin, Rea View, Sandy Ridge, Shiloh Valley, Stallings, Unionville, Walter Bickett, Weddington and Wesley Chapel elementary schools. This list does not indicate the leaders in reading minutes. They have collectively read 1,889,178 minutes.

The Elite Eight schools will be revealed on Feb. 29, and the Final Four will be named on March 7. The winning school will be announced during a celebration at Wingate University on March 22.

02/22/2024