Harper Elementary unveils new book vending machine

Dec. 21—THOMASVILLE- Harper Elementary School unveiled Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine on Tuesday, December 19, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, welcoming in students who were lauded as high achievers to witness the exciting moment.

The bookworm vending machine was made possible through a Thomasville Antiques Foundation grant and serves as an incentive for students to continue reading, so they may have an opportunity to try out the machine.

Students who excel on their AR (Accelerated Reader) tests will receive a gold coin to "purchase" a book from the bookworm vending machine.

However, the first gold coin was given to a student who has gone above and beyond just excelling on their AR tests.

Fifth grader Jordyn Yates recently reached one million words read, earning her the opportunity to christen the vending machine.

The goal was set by Yates for her to achieve by May 2024, but she exceeded her goal and Harper Media Specialist Michele Sedam could not think of a student more deserving to give the first gold coin to.

"We have not had a million-word reader in years," Sedam said. "She not only will get the first gold coin but also have her picture put on the AR wall of fame."

Yates' mother and godmother were in attendance at the unveiling to see her use her gold coin and be awarded a certificate by Sedam.

Before Yates was able to use her gold coin, a ceremonial ribbon was cut by Harper Elementary Principal Pamela Cloud, who told the students she was expecting "a lot of coins to go in the machine" throughout the year.

"This is just one of the ways we are trying to make reading more fun here at Harper," Cloud said. "I want to thank Mrs. Sedam for her leadership in this. It has been an endeavor, but we finally got it before Christmas, and what a nice gift it is."

Cloud felt like this vending machine would go on to be part of Harper's story and what they are known for in years to come.

"I really want Harper to be known for reading because that is going to open up doors that will never close for children," she said.

Superintendent Dr. Fred Rayfield agreed with Cloud, thanking the staff for their vision and leadership that went into the process of acquiring the vending machine.

"The Board and I are so appreciative of your hard work," Rayfield said. "And, I want to thank the students for continuing to push themselves. We are very proud of you."

Following their statements, Yates used her gold coin to pick out "The One and Only Ivan."

She said she was honored to be the first student to use the machine, especially after reaching one million words.

"I've been working on that since I was in the 2nd grade," she said. "I wanted to reach one million words, because when I came to school a lot of kids were talking about it, but no one had done it in a long time."

Achieving the goal has helped Yates show her classmates anything is possible if they just put their minds to it.

Upon completing her book from the vending machine, Yates would love to see the school add the "Harry Potter" series, so she can come back for more.

Until then, she encourages her classmates to keep reaching for their goals so they can also have a chance to use the vending machine, which is the first of its kind, in Thomasville City Schools.