This week marks the 10th anniversary of the Southeast Missourian Jr., a special tabloid publication of this newspaper written for and by young readers.

The publication is produced under the guiding hand of editor Cheryl Ellis, a member of the Southeast Missourian's advertising staff. But Ellis is much more than the title "editor" implies. She is responsible for encouraging youngsters to participate in the publication by writing short essays on special topic themes for each issue. She has worked with teachers throughout the area to use "the Junior," as it is called, as a teaching/learning too.

And the Southeast Missourian Jr. has given the community a beloved mascot named Tracker who shows up at all kinds of events, including the annual Park & Rec Day. The Junior's birthday party was celebrated at Park & Rec Day in July, and hundreds of youngsters had a great time.

Over the years, the Southeast Missourian Jr. has been recognized with national awards as being one of the most innovative and successful efforts to engage young readers and guide them toward a lifelong love of newspapers and reading.

Hats off to the Junior, to Cheryl Ellis and to the thousands of youngsters who have contributed to the publication's success.