By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON/For the Reporter

Elvin Hill Elementary School awarded 33 first grade students who read 150 books in the 2012-2013 academic year with a special book party Friday, May 10 in the school gym.

Family and friends attended the celebration, which was organized by EHES first grade faculty and PTO. Each student received awards followed by snow cones and playtime in a bouncy house.

Columbiana Mayor Stancil Handley and wife Ann attended the celebration. Handley spoke to the students on the importance of reading to one’s life.

“Reading is a life-long habit,” said Handley. “Readers are known to be achievers. One of you here could be the future mayor of Columbiana. “

Columbiana Public Library Director Dutcha Lawson also spoke to the students.

“I am so proud of your accomplishments,” said Lawson. “You students have a library in your school and in Columbiana where there are lots of books for you to read. All of our leaders are readers. If you continue to read, you will be a leader, too.”

EVHS volunteer reader Larry Otto was recognized for his years of service to the students reading to them twice a week. Each first grade student wrote a personal card to Otto.

Students who read 150 books received a certificate and Columbiana pin presented by Mayor Stancil and Ann Handley, an award medal on ribbon donated by the Friends of the Library presented by Lawson, and a Dr. Seuss lunch pack donated by Books-A-Million of Alabaster.

Students receiving the 150 book awards were – Vicki Coe‘s class: Chase Noe, Robert Allen Price, David Stoves, Noah Lemley, Connor Shumate; Hayden Jeffries’ class: Joy Poe, Abby Moore, Bryan White, Coleton McCall, Lanie Mae Morton, Dylan Bigby, Thomas Gable, John Louis Honea, Sarah Elizabeth Shelton; Lauren Rushton’s class: Ricardo Pastrana, Anna Rodriquez, Osmin Sanchez, Conner Rogers, Maggie Priborsky, Jacklyn, Burnette, Campbell Kellis, Meredith Youngblood; Jennifer Odgers’ class: Madison Wood, Alex Phillips, Evan Denney, Bella Hernandez; Sonia Cardwell’s c lass: Kaylee Veasey, Cortlyn Lamb, Katie McDonald, Jaylen Lee, Holden Morris, Valorie Honeycutt and Emery Glaze.