September 22, 2022
On Saturday, September 17, more than 250 students, family members, staff, and volunteers gathered at Sebring’s Schaefer - Davies Football Stadium to celebrate literacy.
The first annual Literacy Under the Lights kicked off with the event’s VIPs (students pre-k through 6th grade) charging through a sign at the end of the ‘tunnel’ reading “Let’s Tackle Literacy.” The participants then took to the field and circulated amongst more than a dozen stations featuring literacy activities, games, crafts, and more. At some stations, McKinley athletes read books or played games with the students. Youngsters got a glimpse into high school classes as they completed a color activity - featuring Spanish color words - with students in McKinley’s Language Club. The Sebring Library - and the branch’s mascot Booker the Bear - offered families the opportunity to learn about library resources and sign up for a library card. Sebring staff, the Jr. High Senate, McKinley cheerleaders, and other volunteers assisted students with literacy activities, guided them through crafts and writing activities, and read to students.
“I couldn’t help but notice how engaged and professional the high schoolers were with the littles,” Melissa Bell Armstrong noted. “You should be proud! Thank you to those involved in providing this great night!”
At half time, families took a moment to find a comfortable spot in the stadium or on the field to read with their students. B.L. Miller P.I.E. manned the concession stand, raising funds for programming, activities, and support the group provides to B.L. Miller with sales of refreshments.
The event concluded with prize drawings - including a reading nook grand prize giveaway for students. Each student participating in the event also took home a free book.
“It is a beautiful thing when the school, families, and community come together,” Stacey Bryant commented about the event.
District partners who made the event possible include: The Sebring Library; Success After 6-The United Way of Youngstown & the Mahoning Valley; and Tim Ramsayer, a friend of the district who supports literacy; B.L. Elementary P.I.E (Partners In Education); Sebring students and staff; community volunteers and district administrators.
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