On Tuesday, April 12, 2018 author, Priscilla Cummings will be at Kent School in to conduct a series of talks and writing workshops with Kent School students. Ms. Cummings is the second Kudner Leyon Visiting Author to visit Kent School this academic year. Her appearance is made possible through the School’s Kudner Leyon Endowed Fund. Ms. Cummings will have the opportunity to work with all students at Kent School from Preschool through Grade 8. From the her Chadwick the Crab series with younger students, the Red Kayak with Middle School students to a writing workshop with students grades seven and eight, Ms. Cummings will touch on the art of storytelling and the writer’s craft at all grade levels.
According to her website, Ms. Cummings began writing stories and books as a child so it is fitting that she share her passion with students. She writes, “When I was ten, I spent the summer writing my first chapter book (about a horse, of course) and in high school I tried my hand at reporting for the school newspaper.”
In preparation for Ms. Cumming’s visit, all students in Middle School read The Red Kayak by Cummings. Several students have elected to read the companion books to The Red Kayak, The Journey Back and Cheating for the Chicken Man. Julia Gross, Director of Library and Media Services at Kent School said, “These stories are so meaningful to our students since they are set on our own back yard. The messages resonate with children who are often struggling between loyalty to a friend and doing the right thing. I am really looking forward to substantive question and answer session between Ms. Cummings and our Middle School students.”
Nancy Mugele, Head of School at Kent School said, “We are very fortunate to be able to bring authors, illustrators, poets and other speakers to Kent School through the Kudner Leyon Memorial Fund. These experiences have a lasting impact on our students. It is important that they see the person behind the stories they read and realize that writing is possible as a lifelong pursuit as a vocation or avocation.” Mugele continued, “As an essayist and columnist myself, I know I am enthralled by our visiting writers’ commitment to their craft.”
The Kudner Leyon Memorial and the associated visiting writers program is named for two Kent School graduates, Amanda Leyon and Ariana Kudner of the Class of 1991. Amanda and Ariana lost their lives in a tragic car crash. They were both lovers of books and writing. It is fitting that Kent School can offer this experience to students in their memory.
For more information about the Kudner Leyon Visiting Writers Prgram at Kent School, visit www.kentschool.org or call 410-778-4100 ext. 110. Kent School, located in historic Chestertown, MD is an independent day school serving children from Preschool through Grade 8. The School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence. Our school’s family-oriented, supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world.
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~ Kent School