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Canadian author visits Ponoka School

When kids get the chance to meet the author of a book they’ve read, a special connection is made. They are energized, inspired, touched with a new appreciation for reading.

By Cassady Bleskie

Ponoka Outreach School:

When kids get the chance to meet the author of a book they’ve read, a special connection is made. They are energized, inspired, touched with a new appreciation for reading.

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, the Ponoka Outreach School; Jr. High class, attended an excellent author visit, hosted by the Diamond Willow Middle School. An event which Mrs. Maureen Bell; DWMS school librarian, had graciously extended an invitation for us to attend.

“Mr. Hrycan and I decided it would be great if our school and the Outreach School collaborated on an author visit,” said Mrs. Bell “We felt it would be a good opportunity for the students at the POS School to experience an author visit - an opportunity that they might not otherwise have.”

Making an appearance at the event, as the guest author was Lorna Schultz Nicholson, a Canadian author of several children’s books revolving around sports; specifically hockey. Nicholson also, is married; to none other than Bob Nicholson; a Canadian retired ice hockey player and has been the president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada, since June 1998. Therefore giving her the inside scoop for her books.

Lorna delighted her audience by wearing her signed hockey jersey, during the duration of the presentation. Students sat and listened with care as she captured their attention; by telling a few adventure stories from her travels – research style. Afterward talking about her “book in progress”; yet to be released. The book titled “Fighting for Gold: The Story of Canada’s Sledge Hockey Paralympic Gold”, a book that from her voice; is an accomplishment she is very proud to contribute to the world.

“Having author visits is a very worthwhile venture. Not only do students get to meet the people who write the books they read, it also helps to encourage the love of reading,” stated Maureen Bell.

As the session made its way to a tragic end, Lorna had just one thing to say. “Everyone can be successful; everyone”.