Engaging Community Promotes Literacy

Engaging Community Promotes Literacy

By Allyson Dix

Mr. Lucas Firkins’ Honors English IV class with a donation from the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5906 for a Literacy Fair competition at Glasgow High School. (Photo: submitted)

Before schools dismissed for winter break in December, students at Glasgow High School presented presentations for a Literacy Fair where community members were invited to judge the event.

A monetary prize was divided between the winners from a $2,000 prize pool sponsored by the VFW Post 5906 Auxiliary and Veterans.

The Literacy Fair is spearheaded by Mr. Lucas Firkins, an English teacher at GHS. Firkins said students put together presentations over a book they had read independently, which is a part of his course work for his class.

“This competition meant two things for students,” Firkins shared, “First, it served as a way to promote literacy by encouraging students to share books that they enjoyed reading. Second, it served as practice for skills that have real world application.”

Firkins said he prioritizes teaching skills for his junior and senior students that can be utilized outside of the classroom no matter which path they choose after graduation.

“Regardless if my students go to college, straight to the workforce, join the military…it’s important to know how to present your ideas in front of a group of people. This Literacy Fair gave students the opportunity to master these abilities.”

A good variety of local businesses were invited to judge the students’ entries including Edmonton State Bank, TJ Samson, NHC Healthcare, VFW Post 5906, Law Office of Bruce Brown, Lindsey Wilson College,

Collective Arts, and La Nacional.

With local businesses participating, Firkins said the presentations give students who are looking to enter the workforce right after graduation the opportunity to connect with representatives in their community.

The Literacy Fair is the first one to be hosted at GHS, and Firkins said another one will be held in early May for the new students in his class this semester who will have a similar assignment and competing for a cash prize.

Firkins, who is in his first year of working for Glasgow Independent Schools, encourages people to attend the event especially for the students to display their work.

“My students spend almost a complete month of my class putting these projects together, and they have to meet rigorous expectations before they are even approved to present,” Firkins said, adding that he looks forward to seeing the next round of his students’ presentations.

VFW Post Commander Joseph Greer commended the presentations and knowledge shared by the students during the judging.

“The students did a wonderful job at all of their projects,” Greer said. “They were very knowledgeable of the books and answered all the questions relating to their presentations.”

Greer said the VFW believes education is vital to the growth of the city and county, and they strive to always answer the call when it comes to children’s education, looking forward to similar involvement in the future.

“We hope that this will inspire others to get more involved in the community on future endeavors,” Greer said.