HOT SPRINGS – Fun for all ages was available at Hot Springs High School last week as high school students hosted the annual reading carnival.

The carnival kicked off at 1 p.m. and took place in the school’s old gymnasium.

With a number of activities to choose from the younger students of Hot Springs ran from one side of the old gymnasium to the other shooting hoops, throwing footballs and even practicing their steer roping skills on a stationary target during the carnival.  

The event, which is designed to foster an appreciation of reading among the elementary students, provided all age groups with a break from their every day routines, allowing older students to interact with their younger peers outside of a traditional classroom environment.

“It is a nice opportunity for the elementary students to see high school students recognizing them,” Hot Springs Superintendent Kevin Meredith said.

Even the teachers and faculty of the school got involved with Meredith and Principal Chris Clairmont taking part in events, including one where young students were blindfolded and tasked with sticking a mustache on the face of a teacher.

The elementary students used tickets to play the various games and activities allotted at the carnival.

The students earn these tickets through reading and get to reap the rewards of their academic achievement during the fun filled afternoon at the reading carnival.

“The students log the amount of books they read to earn the tickets,” Meredith said.