Clark Elementary School, Cedar Park Elementary School and Kingston Elementary School came together Monday at Selma High School to celebrate reading with a rally.

Auburn University’s mascot Aubie, Alabama State University’s Hornet and Selma Fire Department’s Sparky the Fire Dog were on hand to show the students how important reading is.

“Students need to be encouraged and motivated, that’s a natural part of learning,” said Angela Mangum, Selma City Schools superintendent. “Their excitement makes me excited. I’m so happy and proud of the students and what they’ve accomplished this year, and also for them to recognize that reading is important.”

Four students from each school were recognized for their reading during the school year and were presented gift bags on stage with the mascots.

“Reading achievement has everything to do with the level of reading, and that’s what we’re trying to tap into — a joy of reading,” Mangum said. “Through reading, they can achieve any goal. It is the key to success and it opens up a world of opportunities and possibilities for children to achieve any goal that they set for themselves.

Krystal Dozier, the library coordinator for Selma City Schools and organizer of the event, said it’s all about the children and pushing them to do their best.

“We think about football, we think about them being champions on the field, but we want them to be champions in the classroom and reading is the foundation to them being champions in the classroom,” Dozier said. “I’m very excited to be able to provide this opportunity for our students.”