Press Release
Amelia Island Book Festival
Submitted by Maria Fenn
October 11, 2017 2:00 p.m.
More than a dozen educators, along with School Board Chairperson Donna Martin and Board Member Gail Cook, gathered Sept. 27 at FSCJ’s Nassau Campus for the Amelia Island Book Festival’s (AIBF’s) Annual Educator Thank You Event. The event also provided an opportunity for the educators to review the Authors in Schools submissions for the 2018 Festival.
“Our intent is to honor and thank the educators for their time and commitment throughout the year,” said Dr. John Ruis, AIBF president and retired Nassau County school superintendent. “I can’t thank our educators enough for all they do for our students. Working together with us, as in the Authors in Schools Literacy Program, is a perfect example of community partnerships at their best.”
Donna Martin added, “The Authors in Schools program is a tremendous gift to our students.”
Dr. Ruis shared this year’s goal with the educators. “Our AIBF board of hardworking individuals has committed to buy 11,800 books, one for every student of the author they meet. This all takes place during Authors in Schools day, Feb. 16, 2018.”
The Amelia Island Book Festival annually solicits applications and books from prospective author presenters. This year, close to 80 books from more than 70 authors were submitted for consideration in the Authors in Schools Program. The books are reviewed by the Board and then scrutinized by media specialists, reading coaches and other educators to determine age appropriateness and applicability to the curriculum requirements.
“There were so many wonderful books to choose from; it is always a difficult choice to select one among so many,” said Krista Hodges, media specialist at Emma Love Hardee Elementary School.
“This is a wonderful program because the kids get to branch out,” said Evelyn French, media specialist at Fernandina Beach High School. “Meeting the authors makes them instantly want to read; they feel they know more about the author and their process of writing.”
Donna Perry, Yulee High School media specialist, said, “The students start asking about which author is coming. Each year there is a building anticipation. It’s a memorable occasion that sparks a love of reading and learning.”
Cynthia McNeil, media specialist at West Nassau High School, said, “I try to choose authors and books that hit a particular subject of interest to our students. For instance, last year we had an author talk about his book and his experience in Afghanistan. The ROTC students were elated to meet the author and read the book.”
During the thank you event, Dr. Ruis wrapped up by urging the educators to get the word out to their colleagues and friends to support the fundraising efforts that make this learning opportunity available to all students in the Nassau County Public Schools. Marie Fenn, AIBF immediate past president and co-chair, along with Kim Hicks, of the Authors in Schools Program, shared some of the new and improved elements of the annual Tween/Teen Scene Program, and Dr. Cathy Decou spoke about the Short Story Writing Contest.
The Amelia Island Book Festival raises money throughout the year to purchase books of the presenting authors for the students. Among some of the celebrity New York Times bestselling authors visiting our public schools will be: Adriana Trigiani, Jennifer Armentrout and Sherri Duskey Rinker. Of course, all of the chosen authors are celebrities and are treated by the students with the rock star status they deserve. Enhancing the event, everyone from the Festival staff to the media specialists work hard to create a festive atmosphere from the day the books arrive to the big day of author presentations.
“Last year the Festival purchased 8,700 books for the students in our public schools. To buy 11,800 books – one for each student – means we need to raise significantly more money this year,” said Marie Fenn. In the past, it’s been difficult to get every student into the program at the high school level due to scheduling. We are making a concerted effort to alleviate those logistical issues. Additionally, many schools will be visited by more than one author to accommodate different grades and subject matter. We are working closely with the schools to ensure we bring the authors and books they choose and to meet their request for the number of books.”
The Festival urges everyone to become a Book Buddy. A donation of $10 buys a book for a student, and $400 will buy books for an entire classroom. Festival events are not only fundraisers for purchasing books; they are a celebration of the written word and highlight the importance of reading. “Our goal is to encourage lifelong learning, and all of our activities and events are targeted toward that goal,” said Fenn, who also serves as fundraising chair.
AIBF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Donations are tax-deductible. Visit www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org to become a Book Buddy, buy tickets to festival fundraising events and obtain more details for the free community day, Sat., Feb. 17. For questions, email [email protected] or call 904.624.1665.
Amelia Island Book Festival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, seeking to open up the world through books. Our mission is to promote lifelong learning and an appreciation for books by providing quality events featuring local area and world-renowned author, especially through our Authors in Schools Literacy Program.
Photo caption:
Nassau County Public Schools media specialists and reading coaches peruse the selection of authors and books for the Authors in Schools Literacy Program at the annual Educator Thank You Event, FSCJ-Nassau Campus, Sept. 27, hosted by the Amelia Island Book Festival.