COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Education has partnered with the University of South Carolina and Clemson University to present the Read Your Way to the Big Game Contest, a fun, free reading competition for all students in Pre-K - 8th grade. Student winners will receive tickets and pre-game sideline passes to the Clemson vs. South Carolina game on November 25th while teachers can receive prizes ranging from $500 - $2000.

"A child’s ability to read is a critical predictor of educational and lifelong success," said State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman. "With the passage of the Read to Succeed Act, the focus and importance of reading has never been higher in South Carolina. This competition is a great way to encourage students to read while celebrating our state's championship sports tradition."

All pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students who read six books by November 10, 2017 will qualify to win tickets to the Clemson vs. South Carolina game on November 25. Winners will receive four tickets and pre-game sideline passes to the Clemson vs. South Carolina game where they will be recognized on the field during pre-game festivities.

Schools with at least 70% student participation will be entered to win one of two $2,000 school library grants. Five participating teachers will be randomly selected to win $500 for their classroom. Two teachers or media specialists who have the best decorated bulletin board, wall or door that uses the contest as a theme and submits a photo can be selected to win $500.

For more information on the Read Your Way to the Big Game contest and full contest details, visit SCReads.org!