It took almost the entire school year and a lot of books for the students and staff at Dean Morgan Junior High to read one million pages.

"I've read 16 books," said 14-year-old Lindsay Whitman.

Lindsay's friend, Rebecca Thompson, also did her fair share in helping the school reaching the magic number.

"Over the past year, I've read maybe 2,000 pages," the 14-year-old said.

Librarian Patty Cordonier challenged the school to read one million pages in September, after she tried to start a similar challenge the year before. Cordonier said the first challenge started too late to accomplish the goal.

Students tallied the pages they read during Comet Block, a half-hour class dedicated to reading, and on their own. Teachers turned in the totals from their classes, and Cordonier emailed the entire school to keep students and faculty updated on their progress.

Lindsay and Rebecca were in charge of updating a large graph hung outside the library. The girls said adding paper to the graph became pretty difficult after awhile.

"We had to stand on a chair the last time," Rebecca said.

Cordonier's challenge included parents and cafeteria workers reading to help meet the goal. She said next year, she might have the Morgan Readers, a reading club, decide what challenge to have for the school.

"I don't know if we'll do the same thing, or try something different," Cordonier said.

Rebecca and Lindsay said the challenge helped increase their classmates' interest in picking up a good book. The girls said reading is obviously an important part of school, and they were glad everyone got into reaching the goal.

"You learn a lot from (reading)," Rebecca said. "Some kids in my Comet Block were so excited to finish a book."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com.