WALLER — Every year Schultz Junior High (SJH) students look forward to a contest that allows them to add their personal touch to reading. During the SJH Library Bookmark Contest, students design their own bookmarks. This year, SJH announced 20 winners out of 60 submissions. SJH Librarian Vanessa Ragsdale began holding the contest seven years after getting the idea from Waller High School Librarian Jamie Cox.

 

“I think contests like this are important because it gives the kids some ownership and makes them feel like a part of the school,” Ragsdale said.

 

Students had three weeks to create their hand-drawn designs. Ragsdale worked with Art Teachers Amy Barina, Aubrey Hamzehloo, and Molly Englert to promote the contest and help students develop their designs. Each bookmark design had to be hand-drawn and include the words “SJH” and “Library”. SJH Online students were also able to participate in the contest remotely. Winning designs were chosen by a panel of SJH staff members. Originally, only four winners per grade were to be chosen, but due to the large number of submissions, Ragsdale decided to include more. Congratulations to the 20-21 SJH Bookmark Winners:

 

6th Grade:

Caleb Castro

Laela Hilbun

Aeva Smith

Citlaly Castaneda

Lauren Cochrell

Chloe Davis

 

7th Grade:

Aron De Santiago

Julian Rangel

Rachel Sesmas

Joshua Arreola

Eva Reyes

Johanna Carvajal

Aven Kee

 

8th Grade:

Maylin Herrera

Kevin Ruiz

Stephine Coronado

Echo Dengering

Aiden Little

Emma Mason

Shyla Wells

Each winning student is given a laminated copy of their design as a keepsake. All winning designs are copied and placed in the library for patron use. The bookmarks are so popular among students, the library quickly runs out.

 

“I try to have enough copies where every student in the school can have a copy of their favorite one,” Ragsdale said. “We always have amazing designs and students get so excited. I never have enough!”