Literary scholars in the Douglas County School System earned recognition for their outstanding 
achievements at the TomeCon Conference, a popular book festival held annually in Athens. The exciting convention, held March 10, brought together elementary, middle and high school students for a day filled with learning, creativity and a celebration of reading.
Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to meet published authors, collect autographs, and participate in engaging makerspace activities that sparked creativity and collaboration. While most of the day was focused on learning, the convention also featured several competitions that highlighted students’ literacy and research skills. Douglas County scholars proudly walked away with multiple awards.
Holly Springs Elementary School received first place for a Promotional Book Flyer, while Mount Carmel Elementary School earned first place in both the Historical Fiction and Infographic categories. Factory Shoals Middle School was also recognized with first place for its Book Talk presentation, showcasing students’ ability to effectively promote and discuss literature. Mason Creek Middle School earned first place in the Poem category.
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Dr. K’Asha Davis emphasized the value of the experience for students.
“TomeCon is a rare chance for students to step out of the classroom and engage directly with the creators and peers who drive literary culture,” Davis said. “It transforms literacy into an active experience, offering students a professional stage to strengthen their communication, digital media, and leadership skills.
Schools that attended the event, included Chapel Hill Middle School, Douglas County High School, Stewart Middle School, Alexander High School, Yeager Middle School, Chestnut Log Middle School, Factory Shoals Middle School, Sweetwater Elementary School, Mason Creek Middle School, Annette Winn Elementary School, Beulah Elementary School, Mirror Lake Elementary School, Holly Springs Elementary School, Mount Carmel Elementary School, Brighten Academy and Lithia Springs Elementary School.
Participating staff also expressed sincere gratitude to the DCSS Transportation Department for
allowing students to utilize the district’s new charter buses to travel to TomeCon. Students arrived safely and enjoyed the comfort and convenience of the new buses throughout the trip.
“The district is incredibly proud of all the students and adult sponsors who represented the Douglas County School System with excellence,” said FSMS media specialist Katrina Barnett. “Their enthusiasm for reading, research and creativity was evident throughout the day.”
With another successful TomeCon experience in the books, Douglas County students and educators are already looking forward to returning next year for even more learning, inspiration and literary fun.
Click here to see additional outstanding students who were recognized throughout the convention for their remarkable work.