EDWARDSBURG — This will be the seventh year the St. Peter’s Masonic Lodge of Edwardsburg has donated bikes to encourage young readers at Eagle Lake Elementary.

All third-grade students are eligible for the contest. Each time a third grader reads and reflects on 10 books, the student can place an entry into the contest. Winners will be drawn near the end of the school year. The Masons have donated five bikes for boys and five bikes for girls. 

“It’s a great motivator for the children. As soon as a student turns in their form, they are off to the library to check out more books,” said Principal Deb Becraft.

The contest began several years ago in memory of Marcia Barrs-Parrish. Her efforts instilled a love of reading that this program hopes to pass on to all young people in Edwardsburg. The legacy of Mrs. Parrish is carried on through her son, Robert Parrish, who is an active member of St. Peter’s Lodge and has helped organize the event for many years.    

The Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union and Brothers Bakery of Edwardsburg also sponsored the contest. The bakery provides delicious doughnuts and the bank donates ten helmets, as well as beverages and prizes for all contestants, when the students assemble for the drawing near the end of the school year.