Pontiac Program Helps Young Authors Get Published
(City of Pontiac, April 14, 2024)
PONTIAC, MI – The City of Pontiac took the Heart of Oakland County by storm during the highly anticipated Youth Authors event on March 13 at Welcome Missionary Baptist Church as part of National Reading Month. This event was organized by Pontiac Youth Recreation and Enrichment Division to celebrate and discuss two books written by several youngsters last Summer. The event featured dinner, conversation with young authors about their written contribution, and an opportunity to meet an active, adult children’s author.
Pontiac Youth Recreation and Division programs have created many recreational opportunities for Pontiac youth of various ages since the program was re-established. In addition to physical activities, Youth Rec promotes educational, emotional wellness, communication, and life-skill building in its programs. Another amazing focus is publishing a book written by the youth participants!
“This program is another example of our City’s dynamic and diverse Youth Recreation and Enrichment offerings, all of which are completely free of charge to residents,” said Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel. “I want to congratulate all three of our young, brilliant, and newly published authors. Jakenzy, Chloe, and Jania have a bright future ahead of them.”
Over a dozen students participated in the creation of both books. Three talented students in attendance—Jakenzy Geter (15), Chloe Olevia Martin (11), and Jania Gracey (10)—spoke profoundly about their ideas and what inspired their contributions to The Power of Friendship and The Power of a Positive Mindset.
The gathering was filled with children from grades kindergarten to middle school. Students also engaged in a Q & A with the youth writers, received great insight about creating stories ideas, and ways to articulate those ideas on paper. Attendees also met an adult published children’s author, Moneece Borders, who shared excerpts of her uplifting, self-image book My Hair is a Wonder.
The Youth Authors was event developed from Pontiac Youth Recreation’s “Becoming an Author” program to encourage children that their thoughts can become a reality for their peers and they can also become published authors before reaching adulthood.
“Last night’s event was epic! With March being National Reading Month, what better way to engage the youth with their peers, who can make reading enjoyable by putting their thoughts on paper and making it a relatable reality”, said Pontiac Youth Recreation and Enrichment Manager Tanesha Taylor. “To see the youth interact and asking so many detailed questions was awesome! We are looking forward to continuing our Becoming an Author program this summer.”
The Becoming an Author program speaks to the quality of programs Pontiac Youth Recreation and Enrichment holds to promote social and emotional growth among Pontiac’s youth. With the success of having two published books, Pontiac Youth Recreation will continue offering the creative writing program this summer. Those interested in joining the Becoming an Author program in Pontiac can sign up at www.pontiacrecreation.recdesk.com
