CHS 10th Read Across America 2017

Creative Voices Book Club and student advisor Ms. Geraldine Cvetic, Chesapeake High media specialist, held their 10^th annual Read Across America event Wednesday March 1^st, 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 2^nd 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.