Creative Voices Book Club and
student advisor Ms. Geraldine Cvetic, Chesapeake High media specialist, held
their 10th annual Read Across America event Wednesday March 1st,
2017 and proved we are never too old to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. The day reflected their mission to promote
reading and their 2017 theme Read to be Informed, Be informed to Care and Care
to make a difference. They brought new meaning to the word care: contribute advocate respect and educate.
Poetry also proclaimed their message:
Be
fully alive
Stay
curious ask questions
Let
your voice be heard!
The event included contests, a Scholastic Book
Fair, back to back speakers, a panel discussion on reading as a means of
critical thinking and an author’s luncheon including student presentation on
what they are willing to fight for.
The media center was rockin’ and
rolling all day long! The first speaker
was Ming Diaz, storyteller, face painter and public speaking enthusiast, who
has remarkably presented and face painted at all previous Read Across America
events; he emphasized the importance of communication to students and gave them
tips on how to speak to be heard about what they are willing to stand up
for. Ming also face painted assisted by
three CHS art students. At the end of the day he commented that these students
gave their very best throughout the day adding they had great work ethics. Pasadena author Brigid Kememmer’s characters
advocates for equality and kindness through her YA characters in her
page-turner Elemental series. A lively
panel discussion included two CHS teachers, a former student and 2nd
year panel member Taylor Young and current student Alex Van Valkenburg, who
joined guests to answer questions like what advice can you give students about
reading. Alex VanValkenburgh compared
reading to his cross country sport and said never look at how much you have
left to read no matter how long it is just be present to what’s happening and
enjoy the journey. Bill Hoard, CHS
teacher and Ben Faroe co-authors talked about the experience of writing
together. The day was broken up with
book signings and an author luncheon whereby club members presented to guests
about what they are willing to advocate for.
Cassie Jarrell read her award-winning essay about her milestone books
and the importance of reading in her life. As Anne Frank, Kristen Brass believes daily
journal writing is therapy and healing.
Julie Kennon, a big fan of Alice in Wonderland, advocates for
imagination and made a creative gift for each guest, a reminder of her
message. Arthur Jones, the featured
speaker and an international journalist after hearing the students’
presentations said, “These students have more to teach me than I could ever
teach them. They give me hope”. Aziz Abdur-Ra’oof gave a fast pace and
mesmerizing talk on Fail Faster with Growth Mindset the Fail meaning First
attempt at learning. Visionary, author
and artist Daniel Nie has been attending CHS Read Across America for the past 5
years. Building Your Own American Dream,
his latest book, has a dedication to former library assistant Taylor Young and
CHS graduate with 4 years of AP Chinese who helped Daniel edit his book. Taylor
Young said she is indebted to Daniel who gave her two original paintings. The day ended on a musical note with Tech-Ed
teacher, historian and author of Baltimore Bluegrass Tim Newby who gave an
energetic and motivating presentation on research stressing the importance of
“cite as you write”. He recently was awarded a Certificate of Merit
from the Association for Recorded Sound Collections for excellence in Best Research
in Recorded Country Music.
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