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They came from every elementary school in Charlotte County. But when the students arrived Thursday, Oct. 19 at Randolph-Henry High, it was no longer just a regular high school. Instead, the building had been turned into a ‘World of Reading’. 

For the day, Randolph-Henry hosted a Charlotte County Public Schools Book Festival. That didn’t just mean speakers, even though they had a great one in children’s author Tim Young, creator of books like “I’m Going to Outer Space!” and “I’m Looking For a Monster!” The festival also had a variety of literary stations and a group of ‘Teachers for Tomorrow’ students that served as helpers for the event. Teachers for Tomorrow is a program for any high school student that wants to get into teaching. It gives them some experiences to understand what’s involved. 

Guest speaker Tim Young inspires

Some staff and students said the highlight of the festival was guest speaker Tim Young, whose dynamic and engaging presentation left a lasting impact on all who attended. Young, an accomplished author, illustrator, toy maker, and storyteller, shared his love for literature and spoke about the importance of reading in one’s personal growth. His inspirational talk motivated students to explore the world of books and expand their imaginations.

After hearing Young, students got to explore literary stations set up throughout the school, offering a wide range of activities and opportunities for students to dive into the world of books. From interactive storytelling sessions, a camp-out on the front lawn, and even readers’ theater, there was something for every young reader to enjoy. The literary stations encouraged students to explore different genres and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Teachers for Tomorrow shine

And as mentioned earlier, the ‘Teachers for Tomorrow’ students at Randolph-Henry High School played a vital role in the success of the festival. They served as event ambassadors, guiding and assisting the visiting elementary students. This experience provided the aspiring educators with hands-on opportunities to engage with younger learners and share their passion for teaching.

“The Charlotte County Public Schools Book Festival at Randolph-Henry High School was a celebration of literacy and learning,” Randolph-Henry High Principal Erin Davis said. “It showcased the power of literature to inspire and educate young minds while fostering a sense of community within the school district. R-H would like to thank our School Board Office for supporting this event and the many staff members across the division who collaborated to make this festival happen for our elementary students.”