Hills Academy all-male private school in Rockdale County wins Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Hills Academy, an all-male private, college-prep Christian school, flexed its academic excellence and walked away as the first-place winner of the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl in Rockdale County.

The competition was held at Rockdale Career Academy among students in grades 6-8. Hills Academy, the only private school competing, was followed by Rockdale County Public Schools: Davis Middle School, which placed second, and Conyers Middle School, which placed third. Hills’ team was comprised of black males.

The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl is a state competition that quizzes students on books from the current list of Georgia Children’s Book Award nominees.

Hills Academy Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Tiffany Hilburn served as coach of the competing team.

“Providing an opportunity for students to participate in a fun, competitive, and intellectual activity has been an extremely fulfilling experience,” said Hilburn.

Student Elijah Williams  was elated over the win.

This year, I knew that we would get first place because last year, we got so close, and since we had more people on our small team, I did not have a doubt in my mind that we would win,” Elijah said.

Elijah’s mother, Consuela Williams, was equally excited.

“This Reading Bowl is an outstanding example of what can happen when a dedicated educator supports her students and demonstrates that support by believing in them, encouraging them, and celebrating them,” Consuela Williams said.

Hills Academy Board Chairman Moses Kabia saluted the students and faculty.

“This is just one more example of the outstanding work being done at Hills Academy. The results speak for themselves. We could not be more proud of our students, faculty and staff, “Kabia said.

Pictured front Row, left to right: Solomon Fulcher, Courtney Powell

Back Row: Samson Gilmore, Joshua Suddith, Coach Tiffany Hilburn, Jayden Fulcher and Elijah Williams. Photo provided 

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