The Garland ISD Book Bytes contest celebrates literature through fun and innovation, challenging students to convert their favorite books into digital promos. Now in its third year, the competition was as fierce as ever, garnering numerous impressive submissions. During National Library Week April 12-18, seven district students were named Book Bytes winners, bringing the two-month-long battle to a close.
First and second-place victors were announced for elementary, middle and high school categories. Armstrong Elementary School third-graders McKenna Divelbiss and Victoria Jaramillo were among the top honorees.
“This is such a huge accomplishment. I was super excited when I found out that Victoria and McKenna had won first place,” said Armstrong Librarian Linda Gonzales. “The drive that these students displayed in wanting to participate was enthusiastic. They were determined to create an intriguing trailer that would spark other students’ interests in reading the book. Their creativity, diligence and hard work paid off. All of us at Armstrong are so proud of them.”
Memorial Pathway Academy freshman Carlos Leon also snagged a title, which resulted in a second-consecutive win for the Jaguars community.
“I felt delighted that we had a first-place winner. Last year we had a second-place winner, so two winners in a row is great,” said Memorial Librarian Rebecca Foster. “I believe it is important to participate in Book Bytes because students learn technology, show their creative abilities and find out how to do citations. It is a wonderful learning experience, especially for Newcomers like Carlos.”
And supporting a stimulating scholastic experience is something all educators appreciate.
“I am thankful that GISD offers projects that inspire creativity for our students,” Gonzales stated.
Winners of the 2015 Book Bytes contest include:
Elementary School
First place – Spiderwick Chronicles by McKenna Divelbiss and Victoria Jaramillo, Armstrong Elementary School
Second place – Treasure Island by Ethan Penney, Kimberlin Academy for Excellence
Middle School
First place – Found by Elizabeth Kabuin, Austin Academy for Excellence
Second place – Rot and Ruin by Caitlyn Roseberry, Classical Center at Brandenburg Middle School
High School
First place – Fight by Carlos Leon, Memorial Pathway Academy
Second place – Clockwork Angel by Yadira Albarado, North Garland High School
