Literacy and Language Luau turns out to be huge success, big draw

Kennedy High School played host to the "Literacy and Language Luau" Wednesday (April 17) and the event was a huge success, according to Assistant Supt. Teresa Winnie. The estimated attendance was over 700 people.

The event was hosted by the Title 1 Department and invited all families and friends interested in literacy to Kennedy, where the activities included family workshop sessions and subjects like "Journaling Your Life," a presentation by storyteller Ivory Williams, and a reading with your child program, hosted by Mary Bigler.

In addition, there were opportunities like learning how to make balloon animals and "Create a Project" via Home Depot. Also, face painting, Ronald McDonald, vendor tables, free popcorn, prizes and giveaways, a photo booth, free bagged dinners and student performances.

"Randall Elementary School just celebrated with the rest of the Taylor School District at the Literacy Luau," emailed Kelly Szwed. "We were proud to have two student representatives at our display. Thank you to all the students and their families who (attended)."

Recently honored by the Michigan Reading Association, the Taylor Reading Corps had a booth at the event and came away very impressed. Staff members of the TRC mentioned that the event was a lot of fun and very eventful. 

A new mentoring volunteer signed up on site, many applications; brochures and flyers will distributed; a grandmother donated her granddaughter's early reading books; inquires came in about the TRC summer camp; and a bookstore owner is interested in organizing a fundraiser with the group.

It appears that this year's Title 1 project was a huge success all around!