A New Initiative to Inspire Excitement, Creativity and the Love of Reading

Photos by Tangela (Tangie) Taylor 

CARLISLE, OH -- A new initiative to inspire excitement, creativity and the love of reading was started for the first time this year at Carlisle Elementary School by Elementary Library Paraprofessional Tangela (Tangie) Taylor.  

"2026 marked the first-ever Carlisle Elementary School Bookmark Contest, " said Taylor.

Taylor explained, "I came up with the idea after seeing something similar that a company that I order books from was doing on a national level and thought it would be something our students would enjoy along with inspiring them to read more." 

Third- through fifth-grade students proudly showcased their creativity by designing original bookmarks, with the winning design earning the honor of being professionally printed.

Winning book mark design was printed into book marks.

"Voting was open to students in grades two through five, as well as staff, and the process unfolded over several rounds," Taylor said. 

Taylor explained that the voting began with voters from each grade level voting for the top five designs. Then, it was narrowed down to a top three before advancing to an overall finalist round. it was here, the voters casted their vote to select the winning bookmark, along with first and second runners-up.

"Our students enthusiastically embraced both the creative process and the opportunity to vote for their favorites, making this inaugural contest a fun and memorable experience for the entire elementary school community!"

Taylor noted that she received more than 65 fantastic entries, all celebrating the joy of reading and that the students and staff enjoyed voting.  "The results were incredibly close, with just a few votes separating the top designs," Taylor said.

This photo highlights three finalists,

"Congratulations to finalists Hayden Harvey and Kylah McCrossin, and special congratulations to Emma Stadsvold, whose winning design was professionally printed—an outstanding achievement!" Taylor said. 

All three students will be recognized for their creativity and accomplishment with a special medal commemorating both their success and this memorable event at the end of the year awards assembly. 

"Students are looking forward to this being an annual event," Taylor said adding she is already working on next year's event.

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