Students at Saint Francis Xavier Elementary School took part in a nationwide effort to Read the Most Coast to Coast on Friday.

They were among hundreds of thousands of students who joined in the fourth-annual reading celebration.

Read the Most Coast to Coast celebrates reading with a one-day event that encourages students to read as much as they can.

Last school year, students around the country set a new one-day record of 4,987,949 books read. Students also complete Accelerated Reader™ Quizzes on the books they read.

This year, students at St. Francis Xavier took 269 AR quizzes as a part of this event, according to Ann Roberson, Director of Development and Alumni Affairs at Vicksburg Catholic Schools.

Students also dressed up as their favorite book character and watched a live ticker to see how many books were being read within the school and around the nation.

All students who participate will receive a Certificate of National Participation.

“Read the Most Coast to Coast is a fun-filled event that enables students at multiple grade levels to join in a shared reading challenge,” said Gloria Pettitt, Elementary Computer Teacher “Students are engaging in valuable reading practice, all while taking part in an event that joins students across the country in a collaborative effort focused on reading. We’re so proud of our students!”

During the event, Renaissance Learning™ tracked national quizzes on its hosted database and shared progress online.

Educators, parents, and interested community members can see how many books were read around the nation and find out more information at www.renaissance.com/read-the-most.