Written by Denise Gary
Photographs © Denise Gary
The picture above says it all; a child looks up in admiration at an awe-inspiring hero without realizing that behind his back, he holds in his hands the most powerful, transformative weapon he will ever come to know—a book. The gift of reading, combined with access to engaging, inspiring books, infuses children with the ability to rise from humble beginnings to greatness. This is a guiding principle of Kids Need to Read as we strive to provide positive mentorship to children through our books and other available opportunities.
One of these opportunities is bringing Free Comic Book Day every May to the kids of Children First Academy (CFA) in Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona. These two campuses comprise the largest school for homeless children in the nation. There is a sad story with a beautiful ending behind the existence of this school; one in which both campuses were abandoned by public school authorities and saved by Sequoia Charter Schools. The heroes of Sequoia refused to allow these kids to lose one of the only constants in their lives. Kids Need to Read is dedicated to empowering the students of CFA with the enlightenment and self-respect that reading can bring to their lives.
This year’s event once again featured a presentation by Shawn Demumbrum of SpazDog Comics. It included illustrators and Stormtroopers, as well as free comic books, Highlights magazines, and prizes for the kids.
Left to right: Armand Villavert, TK-2035, Denise Gary, Tony Parker, Shawn Demumbrum, TD-0013, and Tosh Delaney
I had the pleasure of greeting the students and introducing the program participants.
Shawn was aided by illustrators Armand Villavert, Eisner Award nominated Tony Parker, and Tosh Delaney. Pop Culture Paradise owner Marco Regalado also contributed to the event at the Tempe campus.
Left to right: Shawn Demumbrum, Armand Villavert, Tony Parker, Tosh Delaney, and Marco Regalado.
Two members of the 501st Stormtrooper Legion (TK-2035 and TD-0013) came to protect the students from super villains. They were a huge hit not only with the kids, but with the big kids (AKA adults)!
Shawn spoke to the children about what it meant to be a superhero and how they could apply the term to their own lives.
While Shawn talked about superheroes, the three illustrators sketched and the Stormtroopers kept a watchful eye (and returned waves from the children).
Marco handed out prizes as the kids correctly answered Shawn’s questions.
After the program, each of the kids picked out a free comic to keep. The comic books and prizes were donated to KNTR by SpazDog Comics and Pop Culture Paradise.
Teachers received copies of Highlights magazines to use and distribute to the kids in their classrooms. The magazines were donated to KNTR by Highlights for Children, Inc., who generously provide magazines to all of the elementary aged children we serve.
The kids got to meet and shake hands with the Stormtroopers after picking out their comics.
It was obvious how excited the kids were to meet the Stormtroopers!
The kids gathered in groups to pose with the Stormtroopers.
CFA Tempe Assistant Superintendent Jerald Lewis enjoyed getting his picture made with the Stormtroopers.
After the morning presentations in Tempe, we moved on to the Phoenix campus in the afternoon.
The principal of CFA Phoenix, Jarret Sharp, sat on the floor with his students during the program.
Tosh (and the other illustrators) drew sketch after sketch while Shawn talked to the kids.
A student eagerly raised his hand under the vigilance of Stormtrooper TK-2035.
Principal Sharp had fun posing for a picture with the stormtroopers.
CFA Tempe Site Administrator Diane Fernichio, seen below receiving a Joker illustration from artist Tosh Delaney, sent a thank you letter to Kids Need to Read “for another great presentation.” Fernichio commented that the Stormtroopers were a “hit” and added how “enjoyable” the comic book artists were. She remarked that the artists “are very talented,” and I could not agree more.
Fernichio also expressed thanks for the Highlights magazines, saying it was her favorite magazine when she was young. She went on to invite KNTR and the other program participants back next year, adding:
We are honored to have the support of such a caring community to help us educate and care for our students and their families.
As long as there is an open door, Kids Need to Read will return with programs to encourage reading in the students of Children First Academy!
We thank Jerald Lewis, Jarret Sharp, Diane Fernichio, and Dina Gerdon for the warm welcome to their schools. Much appreciation to Shawn Demumbrum, Marco Regalado, Tony Parker, Tosh Delaney, Armand Villavert, and 501st Stormtroopers TK-2035 and TD-0013 for making Free Comic Book Day possible for the students of Children First Academy.
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