What began as a small lunch-time writing club at Lake George Elementary School turned into a historic milestone as four students celebrated becoming the school’s first published student authors.
The project began earlier this school year when students started sharing story ideas and an interest in writing. What started as a small lunch-time writing club for students in grades 3-5 quickly grew into the school’s new Author Club after so many students wanted to participate. Since January, students have spent lunch periods, after-school time, and writing sessions working to bring their ideas to life alongside staff members Maggie Kelly, Nikki Borie, and Summer Steves, who partnered with the students throughout the process.
The culmination of that work was an official publishing celebration complete with ribbon cutting, spine labels, official library bar codes, and book signings as the students saw their stories added to the Lake George Elementary School library collection for the very first time.
The first student-authored books include the nonfiction title All About The Grand Teton National Park by Samuel De Nardo and Charlie Entwistle and the fiction story Ninjas Vs. Pokemon by Amari Allison and Lucas Koch.
“My favorite part was learning about all the wildlife, creating the book, and being able to share it with my friends,” said Charlie Entwistle.
Library Media Specialist Bridget Crossman said the project was about helping students see that their voices belong in the library.
“We’re celebrating their voices and showing students that the library is a place where their ideas and creativity matter,” said Crossman. “The library is about so much more than books on shelves. It’s about helping students discover a love of reading and learning in ways that are meaningful to them, whether that’s through programs like this, exploring new stories, or creating something of their own. When learning is authentic and students can see themselves in the work they’re doing, it helps them grow in confidence and truly connect with what they’re learning.”
The ceremony marked a milestone not only for the four students, but for Lake George Elementary School as its first official student authors now have books permanently available for classmates and future students to enjoy.