Central High School hosts virtual author event

Valley Stream Central High School students in their Creative Writing and AP Art classes were treated to a virtual author visit from Amanda Gorman and Loren Long earlier this year. Amanda Gorman is an acclaimed poet and activist who was first to be named National Youth Poet Laureate, taking the national stage to deliver her poem at the 2021 presidential inauguration. Loren Long is a New York Times bestselling illustrator and children’s book author. At the event, students were able to listen to Gorman and Long discuss their new lyrical picture book, Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem, which celebrates how anything is possible when voices are joined together and when change is embraced and celebrated. Students were not only treated to a live reading from Gorman, but they also got an inside look into Long’s illustration process and listened as the authors discussed their artistic and writing journey. 

Dolores Ayuso, the Central High School’s library media specialist gathered and coordinated the FlipGrid virtual event. FlipGrid is a tool used by educators to engage students by posting questions and having students reply by posting their video responses. 

“I want to commend Mrs. Ayuso for virtually bringing two talented people into our library and exposing our students to the beauty of language and creative expression,” said Dr. Joseph Pompilio, Central High principal. “Central students were totally engaged in the experience and left the library inspired,” he further stated.