A Week of Books, Poetry, and Community at the Fredonia Scholastic Book Fair
By Lumen Cristy Ihong

Fredonia Schools recently celebrated the joy of reading during the annual Scholastic Book Fair
held from March 2 through March 5, 2026. The week-long event brought together students,
families, teachers, and the Parent Teacher Organization in a shared celebration of books,
learning, and creativity.

The book fair officially opened on March 2 at 5:30 in the afternoon with a special Reading and
Poetry Night, welcoming families into the school to browse books and enjoy a meaningful
evening of student performances. The event was spearheaded by the PTO and teachers who
worked together to make the opening night both engaging and memorable for everyone who
attended.

Before the program began, families had the chance to explore the book fair tables filled with
colorful books and student favorites. Many students excitedly searched for stories they wanted
to read, while others were drawn to the fun school items available such as notebooks, pens, and
other small treasures that always seem to catch a student’s attention.

One of the highlights of the evening was the poetry recital, where students from different grade
levels bravely stepped forward to recite poems they had memorized and practiced. Standing in
front of a crowd can be intimidating even for adults, but these students showed confidence and
determination as they shared their pieces with the audience.

First grade participants included Dantzel Finicum, Connor Jensen, Mele Jane Tua’one, and
Elidan Bowler.  Second grade students who participated were Flint Finicum, Tyce Marshall, and Roselen Hunt.
A group poetry presentation was performed by a mix of fourth and fifth graders, Josiah Chacon,
Tom Journey, and Natalie Ashley, while middle school students CJ Lomahquahu, Candice
Ashley, and Nathen Ashley also took part in the recital and impressed the audience with their
confident delivery.

Throughout the week, the excitement continued with fun activities connected to the book fair.
Students earned tickets for participating in daily dress-up themes, joining the opening night
celebration, and for taking part in the poetry recital. Teachers also handed out tickets whenever
they caught students showing kindness and helpfulness toward their classmates. On the final
day of the book fair, names were drawn from the collected tickets, and the lucky winners
received a free book.

The Scholastic Book Fair has become a much-anticipated annual event in Fredonia Schools
because it encourages students to explore books and develop a love for reading. This year’s poetry recital added something extra special to the celebration. It allowed students to practice
public speaking, build confidence, and share their voices with the school community.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the parents who supported their children by helping them practice
and memorize their poems at home. Their encouragement played a big role in helping the
students feel ready to stand in front of the audience and perform.

Special appreciation also goes to the PTO, especially Cathy Chell, whose continued support
helps make the annual book fair possible. Thank you as well to the teachers who helped
organize and guide the event, including Mrs. Crookston, Ms. Manuela, Mrs. Ihong, Mr. Ihong,
and Mr. Canaan. Gratitude is also extended to the school administration for their support in
making the event a success.

Moments like these remind us that when families, teachers, staff, and students work together,
wonderful things happen. In Fredonia Schools, every event becomes more meaningful because
it reflects the shared commitment of a community that values learning, encouragement, and
opportunity for every child.