Sebring Local Schools held its annual “Literacy Under the Lights” community event to spotlight their “Readers are Leaders” initiative on Saturday, September 27, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event drew a record crowd for the event with nearly 400 students, parents, and community members in attendance.
The event began with a “Kick-Off” Tunnel to Literacy formed by the Sebring Trojan Marching Band, cheerleaders, and students, meant to mimic a Friday night football game. Attendees read books under the stadium lights and participated in thirteen educational activity stations around the field led by Sebring High School students, athletic teams, student organizations, community partners, and staff. The Sebring branch of the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County was stationed on site with their Pop-Up Library Van, and Booker the Bear mascot was also in attendance. The band and cheerleaders performed during an intermission as well.
The STEM-Playbook station was a new addition to the annual event and was a fan-favorite. The station harnessed the energy of sports and active learning to engage students. Sports-infused learning, STEM exploration, hands-on experimentation, and real-world career connections were all components of this interactive station.
Each year “Literacy Under the Lights” aims to engage students with reading in dynamic ways. “We want to implant a love of reading in our students, which is why we incorporate our entire district and community in the event. If students can be surrounded by a community that embraces reading, they can understand how important and fun it can be,” explained Sebring Family Engagement Coordinator, Jill Dennis.
Attendees brought books for a book swap or provided a new book in the book bin to be distributed to students in the district. All students received a free book, with two students taking home their own private reading nook.
This family engagement event is made possible through the support of its partners, including Sebring Public Library, STEM Playbook, The Josie & Carl Scarpitti Foundation, Tim Ramsayer, P.I.E., and the Trojan Band Boosters, volunteers, student athletes, student organizations, Sebring staff, and community members.
“We think of this event as a kind of legacy event at Sebring. It grows every year, and that growth wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our community, staff, and families,” says Dennis. The event is free and open to the public.