On the morning of Saturday, September 12, I was invited to represent Townsend Press by participating in a pro-reading celebration staged on the Crayton Middle School campus in Columbia, South Carolina via a live Internet feed. The free event was sponsored by Richland County School District One and intended for students, families, and the local community. It featured a number of special guests—authors, beauty pageant winners, an illustrator, a news anchor, a poet, an actor, and a local college mascot. Included in the day’s events were exhibits, games, door prizes, health screenings, storytelling, puppet shows, school performances, and a literacy parade.
With the technical support of my son Nicholas, I was able to utilize a laptop with a webcam attached and a high-speed Internet connection from the comfort of my very own home. The live-feed was picked up by capable Distance Learning Consultant Madell Dobrushin on the other end and she worked some cyber magic of her own. Minutes later I was able to carry on a conversation with people over 2,300 miles away (not to mention a couple time zones).
Although my available time was far too short, it was a rewarding experience nonetheless. I was able to converse with several students about their interest in the Bluford series and what the novels have meant to them. To witness their enjoyment in books, the encouragement of their parents, school faculty, and district officials was gratifying for me as well. I was thankful to have had an opportunity to participate in the worthwhile event.
Read on students of Richland County School District One. Who knows, you may very well be the authors of tomorrow!
