Margarita M. Phillips 
Second-graders from local elementary schools had the opportunity to participate in a bookmark contest that was in conjunction with the LEARN (Leaders Encouraging Advancements in Reading Now) program.
More than 200 entries have been received, said Alesia Shaw, United Way’s director of marketing and resource development, and four winners have been selected.
Shaw said second-graders were able to design anything they wanted on their bookmarks, but were asked to include something related to reading or learning.
Sponsored by the United Way of West Central Mississippi, Ergon, and other partners, LEARN is a program that provides four books to every third-grade student in Warren County.
The four winning bookmarks will be reproduced. And next year, when the students become third grade students, they will be given bookmarks along with one of the LEARN books distributed by Centraide.
“The bookmark designs that were not selected,†Shaw said, will be laminated and shaped into bookmarks that will be given to those who check the books at the Warren-Vicksburg County Public Library.
United Way is part of the Mississippi Campaign for Read to School, which aims to help children and youth reach their full potential.
This year’s bookmark contest winners were Lilyanna Wooten of Redwood Elementary, Oliver Hesselberg of St. Francis Xavier Elementary, Zay’la Davis of Sherman Avenue Elementary and Lauren Davis of Porters Chapel Academy.
About Terri Cowart Frazier
Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Soon after, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter for the Vicksburg Post and editor-in-chief of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which was awarded first place by the Mississippi Press Association. She also received the first place award in the editorial division of the MPA’s Best Newspaper competition for “Best Report.”
Terri is a graduate of Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a focus on public relations.
Before coming to the Post to work a little over 10 years ago, she was a freelance worker at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay-at-home mom.
Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a life member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and the Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr Walter Frazier.
“Whether it’s staying informed about local government issues or listening to the stories of its residents, a local newspaper is vital for a community. I have felt privileged to be a part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and I hope that with theirs and local support I can continue to grow and hone my skills in helping to share the stories in Vicksburg. When people ask me what I love most about my job, my answer is always “peopleâ€.
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