[Archived: First published on January 6, 2014]

Ten Arizona schools distinguish themselves as semi-finalists in the 2014 Bookmans School Challenge and have a shot at a total of $21,000 in cash. The third annual challenge yielded submissions from elementary, middle and high schools from around the state with programs in academics, athletics, fine/performing arts and community building. These ten schools will move to phase two of the challenge by entering a short video for public viewing that showcases their schools.

Bookmans School Challenge Logo


“Bookmans School Challenge is about going beyond mandates. All of the schools show passion in their applications and our 10 semi-finalists are especially dynamic. The videos schools made for us in the past have been imaginative and entertaining and we encourage everyone to be on the lookout for the 2014 versions. Arizona should be extra proud of our educators,” says Bookmans Marketing Director Sheila Kressler-Crowley.

Tucson area schools making the Bookmans School Challenge Top 10 are: Safford K-8 Magnet International Baccalaureate World School, John E. White Elementary School, Pueblo Magnet High School, Santa Rita High School, Holladay Elementary Magnet School.

Greater Phoenix area schools making the Bookmans School Challenge Top 10 are: Melvin E. Sine Elementary (K – 8), Mountain Sky Middle School, Irving Elementary School, Dobson High School.

Northland Preparatory Academy in Flagstaff also made the top 10.

Starting Monday, February 10 two videos will be posted each day here on our website, @bookmans on Twitter and on the Bookmans Facebook page. The public votes on their top pick on Bookmans’ Facebook page beginning Monday, February 17 and continuing through Sunday, February 23. The top three finalists will be announced Monday, February 24.

Three schools, one selected by popular vote on Bookmans’ Facebook page and two by a Bookmans committee, enter the final phase to meet with the Bookmans team in person. Bookmans rewards the runners up with $3,000 each. Bookmans will award one school $15,000. The 2013 Bookmans School Challenge winner will be announced on Monday, March 3.

“Bookmans celebrates educators all year around,” Kressler-Crowley says. “The School Challenge is just one way we can shine the spotlight on the good news coming from publicly-funded schools.” Find out the other ways Bookmans can help support your teachers, students and school with Project: Educate, READ 10 and our youth programs by visiting your local Bookmans location.