Liberty County School System will host the 2026 Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl (HRRB) on Friday, January 30, at 10 a.m. at the Liberty County Performing Arts Center. The annual academic competition celebrates literacy, teamwork, and a love of reading among elementary students across the district.

This year’s competition will feature six elementary school teams representing Button Gwinnett Elementary (BGE), Frank Long Elementary (FLE), Joseph Martin Elementary (JME), Liberty Elementary School (LES), Lyman Hall Elementary (LHE), and Taylors Creek Elementary (TCE).

The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl has experienced renewed momentum within LCSS, continuing a strong tradition of academic excellence. Over the years, LCSS teams — from elementary through high school —have earned top placements at the county, regional, and state levels. In the past two years, BGE, FLE, LHE, and TCE have competed at the county level, with Button Gwinnett Elementary earning first place for two consecutive years. Lyman Hall Elementary placed second in 2024, followed by Frank Long Elementary placing second in 2025. Additionally, BGE, FLE, and LHE have all ranked among the top teams at regional competitions during the last two years.

For the 2026 competition cycle, the first- and second-place county teams will advance to the South Regional Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, scheduled for February 21 at Valdosta State University. The regional first-place winner will then advance to the state competition in March, where teams compete against regional champions from across Georgia.

The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl uses the current Georgia Children’s Book Award nominee list as the foundation for competition questions. Students answer a total of 60 questions across four to six rounds, depending on the number of teams participating.

Preparation requires significant dedication, with students spending countless hours reading, studying, and practicing alongside their coaches both during and beyond the school day

 About the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl

 The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl was founded by Mrs. Helen Ruffin, a former DeKalb County media specialist. She created a quiz-style reading competition designed to motivate students to read books from the Georgia Children’s Book Award nominee list and demonstrate comprehension through friendly competition.

What began as a small local initiative has grown into a statewide academic tradition, with students from across Georgia participating each year.