On Thursday, November 20, 2025, Southern Local Schools buzzed with excitement as students and community members gathered for an unforgettable Literacy Night.
This year’s theme, “Readers are Leaders,” set the stage for a delightful evening filled with engaging activities designed to spark a love for reading.
Attendees explored various interactive stations offering a wide range of fun activities. From a thrilling "Beat Your Time" reading challenge to crafting colorful reading crowns, each station was designed to inspire creativity and a passion for literature. Participants also enjoyed the roll-and-read game and created their own bookmarks, making the night a captivating experience for everyone.
A special highlight of the evening was the surprise visit from members of the Southern Varsity Boys Basketball Team, who took time out of their busy schedules to read beloved children's books to eager students. Their enthusiasm added an exciting dimension to the event.
Mrs. Katie Ash, the event organizer, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the night’s success. She extended special thanks to 5th and 6th-grade intervention specialist Elizabeth Kratzer, Talent and Gifted Coordinator Jenni Roush, as well as the dedicated staff and administration.
“The event was so much fun, and I truly hope it made a positive impact on the children and community members who attended,” Mrs. Ash shared.
Visitors were also treated to an impressive display of student projects.
Preschoolers stole the show with their adorable superhero slideshow presentation. Preschool teachers Ms. Angie Smith, Ms. Jodi Fisher, and Mrs. Christina Caldwell expressed how much fun it was to see the students, who each dressed up as their favorite hero. To see the little ones, click here.
First graders showcased their animal research books, while second graders created vibrant posters about famous leaders.
Third and fourth graders took their research to new heights by highlighting renowned authors.
Fifth graders had a blast making potato head puppets of past presidents.
Sixth graders crafted unique biography bottle buddies featuring famous figures like Queen Elizabeth II, Anne Frank, and Bill Nye the Science Guy.
“Students were able to unleash their creativity while learning about influential figures. It took three full days to bring these projects to life!” exclaimed Mrs. Autumn Lise. “Mr. Daniel Otto, Ms. Beth Bay, Mrs. Tricia McNickle, Mr. Tony Deem, and Mrs. Kim Kupp, were depicted in the adorable bottle buddy project.”
Seventh graders added to the excitement with their creative biography posters, showcasing their research skills and their understanding of impactful lives.
One of the standout stations featured a presentation by Title 1 Reading Specialists Jody Norris and Laurie Connolly, who shared their strategies for enhancing students' literacy skills. Their passion for reading was infectious!
Southern Local would also like to thank Michelle Bueno, from Ohio Means Jobs in Meigs County for her time running the resume workshop. It was a great addition to the event.
Planning the event sparked inspiration for a unique penpal project, born out of the ‘Readers Are Leaders’ theme. Teachers Mr. Zach Ash (2nd grade) and his wife, Mrs. Kaite Ash (6th grade), along with Mrs. Jordan Warden (3rd grade) and Mrs. Martie Rose (5th grade), collaborated with Mr. William Whitlock (9th and 11th grade) to pair elementary students with high school penpals. The pairs will write in journals, exchanging questions and sharing their daily experiences in a fantastic bonding activity.
“Writing has the remarkable ability to uplift our spirits, providing solace, encouragement, and a deep sense of connection,” Whitlock explained. “The act of crafting letters invites us to pause and reflect, transforming our thoughts into a therapeutic journey, as well as practice critical thinking.”
Earlier in the week, the National Honor Society and FFA students brought smiles to the kindergarten classrooms, reading enchanting stories to the youngest learners. The FFA students even donated agriculture-themed books, enriching the libraries of their local schools.
NHS member Isabella Cornell, a junior, reflected on her experience connecting with the little ones alongside classmate Edie Templeton:
“We took turns reading to each class, and I read ‘There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly’ and a charming farm book. The kids loved it! It felt amazing to read with them.”
"It was truly rewarding to witness young students enjoying themselves while reading and high school students forging connections with one another,” McNickle stated. “I am sincerely grateful to everyone who attended and to all the dedicated individuals who contributed to making the event a success."
