The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

VWCS teachers seeking book donations

Van Wert City Schools information

Reading is a thrill ride that allows the reader to feel the exhilaration of scaling mountains while safely seated in a cozy living room, to face challenges and experience outcomes of the main character and to learn about customs and traditions from around the globe.

Unbroken book jacket artwork 7-2015Although the world has  entered the Technology Age, the value of reading a quality book has not dimmed. The importance of literacy is immeasurable and Van Wert City Schools educators are working in conjunction with the community to fight illiteracy.

Programs such as Brumback Library’s summer reading program and The Times-Bulletin’s Read One program are actively promoting this leisure time activity. Always providing quality cultural experiences, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center has scheduled an outstanding opportunity for readers — and especially fans of a title that appeared on both of the  previously mentioned programs: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.

On March 6, 2016, Luke Zamperini, son of Louis Zamperini (a World War II prisoner of war, hero of the 1936 Berlin Olympics and protagonist of Unbroken) will share his father’s story. Providing Van Wert High School seniors the opportunity of reading the text and hearing these stories in person would certainly create a rich and memorable experience, and teachers are asking the community to help “teach the man to fish” by sponsoring this experience.

Teachers are seeking a donation of $10 — the cost of one book — to place copies of the book in the hands of each of the seniors and make books available to underclassmen. Local readers may also have personal copies of the book they would be willing to add to the school’s collection. These donations would help keep school fees down, a concern for a growing number of families in the community.

“I know the Van Wert community is generous, as I have witnessed the support of senior projects, of fundraisers for athletic equipment (and) of specific clubs and activities,” said VWHS English teacher Myrna Hamrick. “So, for all of the book lovers and supporters of reading, this is a different cause, a cause to battle our world of computer games and fast paced technology.”

Those wanting to donate need to do so at Van Wert High School by October 1. Checks can be made payable to “Van Wert City Schools”.

Those wanting more information, call email Hamrick at m_hamrick@vwcs.net.

POSTED: 07/25/15 at 7:11 am. FILED UNDER: News, Youth