The results are in!  Leopold’s Ice Cream and Live Oak Public Libraries recently asked Savannah Chatham County students to submit poems celebrating 100 Years of Books, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Bull Street Library, and the results were amazing.  Over 100 poems, 14 winners and some amazing poetry!  In fact, there were so many amazing entries that the judges created a new category, The Overall Award!   Mary Leopold of Leopold’s Ice Cream said of the challenge, “I want to thank Live Oak Public Libraries for their partnership and all those how helped with this project we are so passionate about.  Specifically the teachers and parents for their part in encouraging these young people to open their minds and to learn all they can. I am truly encouraged about the future of our community when I read ALL the amazing poems submitted by our young talented students within the reach of our Live Oak Public Library System. Every single student is a winner in our book and should be commended for their amazing entries and for taking the time for this extracurricular activity.”  
And the winners are:

K – 2
Winner: “Untitled” by Dani Newton, 8, Homeschooled
Finalists:
“Untitled” by Ayden McKenzie, 8, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
“100 Years of Books” by Ben Weisel, 8, Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
 
3 -5
Winner: “100 Years of Library Books” by Lillian Peppers, 9, Button Gwinnett Elementary School
Finalists:
“The Lonely Little Book” by Carson Mosley, 9, Marshpoint Elementary School
“100 Years of Books” by Anna Farris, 11, St. James Catholic School
“I Love Books” by LaSharia Butler, 11, Haven Elementary
 
6 -8
Winner: “Her Library” by Tiana Ruden, 14, Oglethorpe Charter School
Finalists:
“Untitled” by Jayla Lawton, 14, Oglethorpe Charter School
“Without the Book” by Gabe Tvrdy, 12, St. Peter the Apostle
 
9-12
Winner: “A Century of Books” by Jamari Myers, 16, Woodville Tompkins
Finalists:
“100 Years of Books” by Imani Watley, 15, Woodville Tompkins
“The Life of a Clerk” by Uyen-Vy Hoang, 15, Savannah Country Day School
 
The 2016 Overall Award
Winner: “Unknown Knowledge” by Haley Taylor, 14, Woodville Tompkins

All winners and finalists have been invited to read their poems at the Savannah City Council Meeting on Thursday, April 28th at 2pm in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor of City Hall.  This meeting is open to the public and everyone is welcome.  Savannah Government Television Channel 8 broadcasts Council Meetings live at 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Same-day replay of the meeting is at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.  Each of the first place winners will receive an ice cream party for their class, finalists will each receive a special gift certificate for Leopold’s Ice Cream.