Area literacy project sponsors billboard contest

A local literacy project plans to publicize reading with a billboard contest that draws on the talents of area schoolchildren.

The Southeast Missourian Jr., a monthly newspaper that showcases students' artwork and writing, will celebrate its fifth anniversary -- along with the daily newspaper's centennial -- by asking the region's classes to create posters as part of the "Rave About Reading!" contest.

The winning entry will be displayed on a local billboard for a year, starting in October.

Cheryl Ellis, who edits and coordinates the children's publication, said the goal is to draw public attention to the importance of reading and literacy.

Ellis said it only makes sense to put that message on a large billboard. "The importance of reading is huge," she said.

Drury Southwest Signs Inc. of Cape Girardeau will donate the billboard space.

Company president Jeff Bohnert said the artwork may be rotated among the company's billboard locations. The students, he said, should enjoy seeing their creation displayed on a billboard.

"We like doing things like this," Bohnert said. "It is for the kids."

School classes must submit posters to the Southeast Missourian Jr. by Sept. 19. Each entry should include the school, grade, teacher's name and a list of all the students in that class.

Judging will be based on originality, overall appearance, creativity and message, Ellis said.

Winners will be recognized at the Southeast Missourian's centennial celebration on Oct. 1.

The winning entry also will be displayed in advertisements in the daily newspaper and in Southeast Missourian Jr. over the course of the year.