About twenty-five Grand Rapids Creative Youth Center young authors attended their annual celebration and release of The Book of Explosions IV: Tiny Purple Thunderlights at the Wealthy Theatre Wednesday, May 20.
The young authors sat in the first few rows of the theatre, giggling when the opening video cut to B-roll footage of them writing and playing at the non-profit headquarters.
"That just warmed my heart. I was giggling because they were giggling," said Kristin Brace, Executive Director of the CYC.
Brace opened the event with a welcome and a long list of thanks to all the people who make the non-profit's mission--to prepare kids for life's adventures by supporting their writing and amplifying their voices--possible. The young authors applauded joyously especially for staff members Meghan McAfee and Rachael Hamilton who were seated up front with them. McAfee played a major role in coordinating the event among the many other things she does for the organization.
"I think community events where everyone is welcome to share in our kids' success are powerful reminders that we're all in this together. When we're all working toward the same thing--empowering our youth, walking alongside them as they learn and grow, showing them again and again that their voices matter--we can affect positive change. The sense of joy and pride last night was overwhelming," Brace said.
Hamilton, CYC Program Manager, ushered her Afterschool Adventure kids to the stage first. A few weeks ago, this citizen journalist observed the student authors practice reading in front of an audience at the CYC. On that day, almost half of the students vowed they would not read in front of a big audience at the Wealthy Theatre, but Hamilton was proud to report after the event that every single student had bravely presented, including Omaria W. who giggled while she read, cracking herself up and winning the hearts of the audience.
Next, Workshop Leader Andrika Lyons of the Harrison Park Media Team and the Press Club at the Cook Arts Center, led her young journalists--who had focused on writing about bullying this year--to the stage. Lyons crowned one of her students, Tori, queen for the week and the audience affirmed by chanting, "All Hail Queen Tori!" Finally, Workshop Leader Alex Fluegal of The Heat at Alger Middle School read a piece on behalf of one of her students who was unable to attend.
Guests were invited to purchase a copy of the fresh-off-the-press book and to donate to the CYC. The young authors were available to sign books in the lobby at the end of the program.
Hamilton's favorite part of the event was seeing people lined up to get their books signed by the kids and watching them get their pictures taken "like the rockstars they are."
Furniture City Creamery provided ice cream for the pizza party, a much deserved celebration back at the CYC after the event.
Copies of The Book of Explosions IV: Tiny Purple Thunderlights can be purchased for $9.00 at the CYC or Schuler Books & Music.
Disclosure: Lindsay McHolme is an Executive Board Member at the Grand Rapids Creative Youth Center.
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