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Eastgate Partners With Ohio State's Stories for Students Literacy Program
October 4, 2021 -- Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in knowledge, and getting a book into their hands is the first step. That’s the idea behind The Ohio State University’s Stories for Students Literacy Program, which partnered with Eastgate Elementary School for a fun-filled book fair Friday morning.
During the event, Eastgate scholars engaged with Ohio State students for an interactive reading session, followed by a shopping spree in which every student had the opportunity to scour the shelves for the perfect book to call their own.
According to Chase Moore, Stories for Students Project Manager, the mission of the event is to encourage students to view reading as a tool that allows them to heighten their imagination and creativity.
“We love being engaged with children K-5th, showing them that college is possible and reading/literacy will help you get to college,” Moore said. “And our focus is on city schools’ youth.”
The partnership with Eastgate began in 2019, however, last year was cancelled due to COVID, explained Mariah Kerrin, Eastgate Librarian.
“We’re so excited to have this event pick back up. We have two other book fairs each year, but this one is special,” Kerrin said. “Students don’t have to worry about bringing money or being left out, because every single student gets to go home with the book of their choice!”
Bringing the program to a CCS building was especially important to Ohio State student volunteers Michelle Miranda, 2009 Eastmoor Academy graduate and Toulaye Barro, 2018 Centennial High School graduate. Miranda, who is working on her second master's degree, credits CCS for providing her with immeasurable opportunities.
“CCS is often not viewed as opportunistic, but that is far from the truth,” Miranda said. “I have gained so much through my experiences at CCS and I just want to give back and provide these kids with some of the opportunities and experiences I was offered.”
Barro, a double-major undergraduate student, echoed this sentiment when describing her journey through CCS to get where she is today.
“Too often we are deemed ‘success stories’ and the odds are stacked against CCS students,” Barro explained. “But it shouldn’t be that way, because success can be measured in so many ways and there’s a lot coming out of the District.”
As for Eastgate scholars who participated in the book fair, each one left the library with a book in hand, an ear to ear smile, and lasting memories to carry as they carve their own pathways to success.