We’re happy to share pictures of our visit from author, Jerry Spinelli. He meet with our Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Grade class on Thursday, March 15! And, what a visit it was!
In a correspondence, Mr. Spinelli said, “Halfway through I knew St. Helena’s was vaulting to my all-time favorites list of visits. The good things you and staff are doing there are so obvious. And that wasn’t just a one-compliment-fits-all remark re question quality. It’s rare that I get one from a group that I haven’t heard before. I think there were three from your star-kids, and they were insightful to boot. I’ve seldom had as good a time and never a better one.”
Jerry spoke of the first four books he submitted for publication which were rejected, not by just one publisher, but by everyone to whom he submitted the manuscripts. He spoke to the children of how “failure is a gift!” While he was hurt, it just helped him get better, he worked and worked and worked … finally, his writings were published! Twice, he was awarded the Newbery Medal for Maniac Magee and Wringer. The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
After reading Maniac Magee, we knew that Jerry had a special affection for Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets. So when Mr. Spinelli visited, we had our children present him with a Saint Helena School Tee shirt and three boxes of Butterscotch Krimpets!
What an honor to have such a distinguished author visit SHS and speak so highly of our children and faculty. This visit was lovingly arranged by one of our parents, Mr. Al Zone, a personal friend of Mr. Spinelli!
This was a joyful experience for all fortunate to participate!
Find more photos here.
