The free “Readers are Leaders” themed event will include family fun, an author visit, giveaways, and pop-up library van.
Sebring Local Schools is excited to announce its third annual “Literacy Under the Lights” community event to spotlight their “Readers are Leaders” initiative at Sebring McKinley’s Schaefer-Davies Football Stadium on Friday, September 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The community is invited to read books under the lights, participate in educational activity stations and interact with special guests, including hometown author, storyteller and poet, DeLisa Seals. Community members may also recognize the Sebring native, for her role as the head clerk of the Sebring branch of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County.
Activity stations spread across the football field will be led by Sebring McKinley High School athletes, and students from the school’s clubs and organizations, as well as Sebring staff.
The Sebring Public Library will also have its pop-up library van at the event, where attendees can check out books and receive free resources, including signing up for their own library cards.
“We kick-off the event with our McKinley student-athletes forming our traditional tunnel and our band playing our Trojan Fight Song, for our younger student “VIPs” to run through, setting the tone for an exciting, team-oriented and community-bonding experience,” says Jill Dennis, family engagement coordinator for Sebring Local Schools. “My favorite part of the evening is witnessing our older students being role models and leaders for our younger students, demonstrating how learning can be fun.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring a book for a book swap, or to drop a new book in the book bin to be distributed to students in the district. All students attending the event will receive a free book, and prizes will be raffled at the event, including a reading nook!
Refreshments will be available at the concession stand, with proceeds benefiting B.L. Miller Partners in Education. The organization puts the funds raised back into events, supplies, and resources for students. Sebring Band Boosters will also sell coffee, candy, popsicles, and merchandise, including banners, pillows and flags.
A fan-favorite from previous years, Texas Roadhouse mascot “Andy the Armadillo,” will also be in attendance.
This family engagement event is made possible through the support of its partners, including Sebring Public Library, the United Way -SA6 After-School Program, Texas Roadhouse, The Josie & Carl Scarpitti Foundation, Tim Ramsayer-A Friend of the Sebring Schools, volunteers, student athletes, student organizations, Sebring staff and community members.
“This event continues to grow each year, and that wouldn’t be possible without the support of our Trojan family and community, as well as the hard work, preparation and participation of our students and staff,” says Dennis. “We invite you to bring a blanket or chair and come join us for a fun-filled evening as we read and learn together with our students.”
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact Jill Dennis at (614) 915-2514 or jdennis@sebring.k12.oh.us.
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