SEGUIN, Texas (January 10, 2025) – Third graders at Seguin ISD’s McQueeney Elementary

proved that hard work pays off as they advance in the Read to the Final Four® literary

Challenge.

McQueeney's three third-grade classes competed against more than 300 schools in the San

Antonio area by reading 59,393 minutes between November 4 and December 15, 2024. That

was enough to advance their school to the tournament bracket’s Round of 68 schools.

“Literacy is vital to our students’ success and future, and I am thrilled to see them get excited

about reading,” Superintendent Dr. Veronica Vijil said. “We are proud of their accomplishments

and look forward to seeing what else they accomplish as they represent our district in this

Tournament.”

Dr. Vijil joined McQueeney library media specialist Amber Williams to surprise the students and

their classmates with the news during Friday’s morning assembly. Students from the Seguin

High School Mighty Matador Band and the Seguin High School MatCast program also joined

the festivities.

Their work is far from finished; the 54 students will compete in an NCAA bracket-style

tournament to be named the ultimate Reading Champion. In addition to the coveted title,

McQueeney students will compete for prizes, books, and a library makeover.

The next round of the reading competition starts this Monday, January 13, 2025. Students will

continue reading and logging minutes to compete for a spot in the bracket’s Round of 32.

Seguin ISD’s other elementary schools will also have a chance to earn prizes as they continue

participating in Read to the Final Four® through the Rising Reader tournament.

Read to the Final Four® will name its Reading Champion during the NCAA® Men's Final

Four® Fan Fest Presented by Capital One in April.

The Read to the Final Four® bracket can be found here.