On November 2, 2007, I was invited by Townsend Press to participate in the AdolescentReaders Initiative, an event celebrated among others by the U.S. Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings (pictured above). The Initiative involves a partnership by First Book and Townsend Press in the national distribution of over 520,000 books that Townsend Press donated to schools, libraries, and literacy organizations serving low-income middle school and early adolescent-aged young people throughout the United States.
The event took place at Webb Middle School in Austin, Texas, where approximatly 650 people were in attendance, including students, faculty, and members of the community.
The story of Webb Middle School is quite amazing and well worth sharing. Why? Because the school had performed so poorly the last three years that the superintendent of the school district had proposed closing the school down. However, the community rallied behind the school in a big way -- devoting time, resources, and some 200 mentors in an effort to keep it open. The result has been tremendous, and the school has shown enough improvement to be rated "acceptable" by the state and "passing" by the federal goverment. They are all a tribute to hard work and effort.
Before I had an opportunity to address the crowd along with Webb Middle School Principal Rey Garcia, Texas Commissioner of Education, Robert Scott, 8th grade student Maria Vences, First Book Vice President for National Outreach, Lynda Lancaster, and Secretary Spellings, I had a chance to sign a few copies of "Brothers In Arms", the book I helped to co-author along with Paul Langan.
Inside I was writing that "Knowledge is power"--something I firmly believe.
Shortly thereafter, Secretary Spellings arrived and joined Lynda and I outside of Mr. Harboure's 8th Grade English Language Arts class. I found Secretary Spellings and Lynda Lancaster to be wonderful, caring people. For her part, Lynda spends much of her time traveling the country and helping to nurture a love for reading in the young people of America. So often, the books donated by First Book are the very first ones a young boy or girl has ever had, and it means so much to them. First Book is a tremendous organization and one worth supporting.
Minutes later, Secretary Spellings addressed the students of Mr. Harboure's class and began to pass out copies of "Brothers In Arms."
I also had an opportunity to share a few words of encouragement with the students and the fact that I was extremely proud of their acheivements.
After that it was on to the auditorium where Townsend Press books were wonderfully displayed. These are but a few of the 520,000 books that Townsend Press donated to First Book and the Adolescent Readers Initiative, including many from their popular Bluford Series collection.
And next to the book table was a beautiful banner that truly captured the spirit of the event.
Finally each member had an opportunity to address the crowd. I was the very last one --a moment I'll never forget! Thank you Townsend Press, First Book, Department of Education, and of course, Webb Middle School. It was truly a privilege and an honor.
