Youngstown Schools, Partners to Host Summer Literacy Expo

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — A free event hosted by the Youngstown City School District and community sponsors will promote the importance of reading to local students and families.

The Summer Literacy Expo is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., May 5 at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, 201 South Phelps St. Event partners include the amphitheater, Premier Bank Community Event Series, JAC Management Group and My Brother’s Keeper Youngstown.

The event is open to the public and will feature educational and literacy resources, food and games. Community vendors and programs will be on hand to offer information about their services.

Special guests include Judge Glenda Hatchett, star of “The Verdict with Judge Hatchett,” and children’s author Vicky Weber.

Hatchett will speak about keeping young people engaged during the summer. She will touch on how crime increases during warmer months, and how when children develop a desire to read, it can take them to new places and keep them safe at home.

Weber, who wrote such children’s books as “Mirabel’s Discovery” (Disney’s “Encanto”), “Maya and the Stage Fright,” and “Taino Tales: The Legend of Coqui,” will read an excerpt from her new book, which will be published in May. Her Puerto Rican Taino heritage and musical background inspire her current titles, according to the release.

“We’re thankful to our generous sponsors for supporting this impactful event for YCSD scholars and the community,” said Linda Hoey, chief of family engagement for Youngstown City School District. “All Youngstown City School K-12 scholars will receive a book as our way to encourage reading and to resume their education over the summer.”

Hoey said the Literacy Expo was organized by Parent Pathways, an initiative at YCSD that advocates for family involvement and open communication with schools. The English Learners Program, led by Dennis Yommer, also aided in creating the event.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.