PRESQUE ISLE — Aroostook Right to Read, a group dedicated to promoting literacy in Aroostook County, sponsored their annual Young Author’s Day at UMPI on Saturday, March 29, with nearly 300 people in attendance. Students in grades 4 through 8 were selected from schools around Aroostook County to participate along with their parents.
Photo courtesy of Sara Deveau
HONORED — Margaret Coolong (right) was honored on behalf of Aroostook Right to Read by Leona Michaud (left), president.
The day began with a keynote address by Maine author Lea Wait. She shared some information about her life as an author and challenged students to the “the author of their own lives.” Students then participated in a number of various workshops including “Family Stories” where they created a story about a family memory with their parents, “The Internet Says So, It Must Be True,” which helped them learn about internet safety, and “Illustrating Your Work” featuring local artist Susan York.
Each year, Aroostook Right to Read honors an Aroostook County educator who has made a significant contribution to literacy learning. The recipient of this year’s award, Margaret Coolong, was honored at the annual Young Author’s Day. Mrs. Coolong worked a dedicated teacher at Mill Pond School for many years as a Special Education teacher, a Title 1 teacher, and a Reading Recovery teacher. She was always a cheerleader for her students, and worked tirelessly with them to improve their skills in literacy. Since her retirement, she continues to be actively involved in the lives of children throughout the community. She mentors area students, volunteers at the library, Visions, and in her church, and continues to make an impact in all of the childrens’ lives she is involved with.
The highlight of the day for each student was the presentation of the annual literary magazine, “Potatoes and Pussywillows,” where each student could see his or her work published along with the other student authors from around the County.
Photo courtesy of Mill Pond School/Sara Deveau
SIGNING — Emily Transue, one of the participants in the March 29 Young Author’s Day, gets her book autographed by visiting author, Lea Wait. Wait writes novels set in 19th century America for ages 7 and up, including “Finest Kind,” “Wintering Well,” “Seaward Born,” and “Stopping to Home.”
Photo courtesy of Mill Pond School/Sara Deveau
YOUNG AUTHORS — Students from Mill Pond School participating in Young Author’s Day at UMPI were, from left: Jennah Steamer, Emily Transue, Hannah Chapla and Karissa Harris. Each student had her work featured in “Potatoes and Pussywillows.”
