Clayton County Library Students Shine in Georgia’s Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Competition

Two young readers representing the Clayton County Library System recently delivered an impressive performance in Georgia’s Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, a statewide reading competition that challenges students to master a list of books and compete in quiz-style rounds based on characters, plots, and key details. Competing against 34 schools from across Georgia, Clayton County student Terry “TJ” Jones Jr. demonstrated remarkable preparation and confidence, earning 280 points and placing sixth overall, even while competing as a team of one after a weather-related rescheduling prevented his teammate from attending.

The Clayton County Library System recently celebrated a milestone achievement: the success of its very first Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl team, a program designed to encourage students across Georgia to develop a love for reading.

Created by Georgia educators and supported by libraries and schools across the state, the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl is a competitive reading program where students read a set list of books and then compete in quiz-style rounds answering detailed questions about characters, plots, and settings.

At a recent Clayton County Library Board meeting, library leadership, staff, families, and community members gathered to recognize the young readers who represented the county with dedication and enthusiasm.

Meet the Clayton County Team

The inaugural Clayton County Library Reading Bowl team included:

• Terry “TJ” Jones Jr.

• Nora Osborne

Coaches and supporters included:

• Jennifer Wynn

• Amanda Corbin

• Alexander Evans

The program also received support from library leadership including Assistant Director Rebecca James and Library Director Cameron, who recognized the impact of the program on the community.

A Team That Started with Just Two Students

The idea of forming a Clayton County Library Reading Bowl team began in 2023, when the concept was first discussed within the library system. After careful planning and preparation, the team officially launched in 2025.

Library staff promoted the program through:

• Library flyers

• Social media

• The Clayton County Library website

• Word of mouth within the community

On the day of the interest meeting, two students arrived ready to participate — Nora Osborne and Terry “TJ” Jones Jr.

Rather than being discouraged by the small turnout, both students confidently embraced the opportunity.

“We don’t need anyone else,” they told the coaches. “We’re going to take this team to state.”

From that moment, the coaches knew they had something special.

Preparing for the Competition

Participants in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl must read 10 selected books and be prepared to answer detailed questions about them during timed rounds.

While reading ten books may sound simple, competitors must remember:

• Characters

• Settings

• Plot details

• Key moments from each story

The Clayton County team met weekly for practice sessions. During training, students learned how the competition works, including the various roles involved:

• Moderator who reads questions

• Judges monitoring buzzer responses

• Scorekeepers recording points

• Timekeepers ensuring answers are given within the time limit

Practices also included using the competition buzzers and practicing quick responses.

Both Terry and Nora demonstrated strong preparation and teamwork during these sessions, often scoring 40 points or more during practice rounds.

When the Competition Was Rescheduled

Originally scheduled earlier in the season, the Reading Bowl competition had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Unfortunately, Nora Osborne was unable to attend the rescheduled date. That meant Terry “TJ” Jones Jr. would compete alone, representing the Clayton County Library team as a single competitor.

Despite the challenge, Terry remained confident.

“I got it,” he told his coaches. “I can bring it home.”

Competing Against 34 Schools

The competition included 34 schools, with most teams consisting of four to five students.

Competing alone could have been intimidating, but Terry entered the competition focused and prepared.

Throughout the rounds, he consistently buzzed in with correct answers, quickly demonstrating that he was a serious competitor.

By the end of the competition:

• Terry won four out of six rounds

• He earned 280 total points

• He placed 6th overall, tying with two other schools

In one round, Terry scored 70 points, while the opposing team scored only 10 points.

His performance drew admiration from competitors, families, and coaches alike.

The Role of Families and Community

Parents played an important role in the team’s success. Weekly practices often included family participation, and parents helped ensure students stayed prepared outside of practice sessions.

Terry’s mother shared that he had already read nine of the ten competition books multiple times before the event.

The night before the competition, he reviewed questions and prepared carefully. On the morning of the event, he got a good night’s rest, ate a light breakfast, and his family said a prayer together before leaving for the competition.

The support continued throughout the day as family members and library staff cheered him on.

A Love of Reading That Started Early

Terry’s passion for reading began at a young age. His mother explained that he began learning to read around age four, inspired by seeing older children reading regularly.

Their family spent time visiting libraries, attending programs, and checking out books together. That foundation helped prepare him for opportunities like the Reading Bowl.

For Nora Osborne, the program was equally exciting.

Already active in school activities including Math Bowl and Beta Club, she looked forward to the weekly Reading Bowl practices.

“I really looked forward to Thursdays,” she shared. “Even with everything else I was doing, I was excited to come to Reading Bowl practice.”

A Successful First Year

Although the Clayton County Library team was participating in the Reading Bowl for the first time, the results were impressive.

Library leadership praised the dedication of staff members who volunteered their time to launch the program and support the students.

“This is why we do the work we do,” library leadership shared during the meeting. “Programs like this make a real difference in our community.”

The library also recognized the broader community that supported the program, including homeschool educator Constantina Banquet, whose resources and guidance helped the students prepare.

Looking Ahead to Next Year

With the success of the first Clayton County Library Reading Bowl team, library staff are already looking forward to expanding the program in future years.

Plans include:

• Recruiting more students

• Increasing awareness of the program

• Potentially providing book sets for future participants

• Encouraging even more young readers to join

The goal is simple: continue building a culture of reading among young people in Clayton County and beyond.

Programs like the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl remind communities that libraries remain powerful spaces for learning, connection, and opportunity.

Together, we can continue showcasing the people and businesses that make Clayton County a place worth celebrating. - Trina Kolawole, Co-Owner, The Best of Clayton County

#BestOfClaytonCounty #ClaytonCountyGA #ClaytonCountyLibrary #HelenRuffinReadingBowl #ClaytonCountyStudents #ClaytonCountyCommunity #LoveOfReading #ClaytonCountySchools #ClaytonCountyEvents #ClaytonCountyFamilies #SouthMetroAtlanta #MetroAtlantaCommunity #SupportLocalLibraries #YouthReading #FutureLeaders