On the evening of April 29, 2026, the Starpoint Fine Arts Center came alive with excitement, creativity, and celebration as more than 400 students, families, and educators gathered for the annual Literacy Celebration, proudly sponsored by the Orleans-Niagara Teacher Center. The event was a joyful tribute to the power of storytelling and the extraordinary voices of young writers across Niagara and Orleans counties.
Each year, the Teacher Center—a New York State grant-funded organization dedicated to high-quality professional learning and student enrichment—hosts a literacy contest for students in grades K–6. This year’s inspiring theme, “When Characters Come to Life,” invited students to reflect on the unforgettable book characters who made them laugh, dream, think deeply, or see the world in new ways. Through their writing, students demonstrated how literature can spark imagination, empathy, and personal connection.
The response was remarkable. Thirty-five teachers from 9 school districts submitted their students’ strongest work, resulting in 135 exceptional entries. Students showcased their creativity through a wide range of formats including essays, digital books, multimedia presentations, and other innovative storytelling projects. Each piece reflected not only impressive writing skills, but also courage, originality, and heart.
The evening began with an inspiring keynote presentation from local author and bookstore owner (Author’s Note, Medina), Julie Berry. With warmth, humor, and encouragement, Julie challenged students to believe in the power of their own voices, to persevere through challenges, and to continue telling the stories only they can tell. She also reminded families of the important role they play in nurturing a lifelong love of reading and writing. Her engaging and interactive presentation set an uplifting tone that resonated throughout the evening.
Following the keynote, student winners proudly took the stage to read excerpts from their work and receive certificates and prizes, including writing journals and creative design books. As students shared their stories, the auditorium filled with applause, laughter, and emotional moments of pride from parents, teachers, and community members alike. Their confidence, talent, and imagination served as a powerful reminder of the impact literacy has on shaping young minds and inspiring future leaders.
Under the leadership of Director Cheryl Herman and the Teacher Center Policy Board, the Orleans-Niagara Teacher Center extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make the evening such a memorable success. Special thanks go to Julie Berry for her inspiring message, the O/N BOCES culinary students for the delicious refreshments, and to the teachers and families whose encouragement continues to foster creativity, confidence, and a love of literacy in children throughout our region.
“Together, we celebrated far more than writing—we celebrated imagination, perseverance, and the next generation of storytellers whose words have the power to shape the future.” Cheryl Herman
Top winners for each grade level are as follows:
K: Everlee Balisteri and Zoey Siddall (Lewiston-Porter) and Mackenzie Kelley and Angeline Snell (Holy Ghost Lutheran); 1: Gianna Chuilli (Holy Ghost), Gage Hoyle and Savannah McKee (Newfane); 2: Gracie Joe Bright (Holy Ghost), Olivia Clyde (Barker) and Xavier Jacobs (Niagara Wheatfield); 3: Maleah Britton (Holy Ghost) and Aubrey Seabert (Sacred Heart Villa); 4: Elsie Joseph (Newfane) and Case Musall (Holy Ghost); 5: Casey Congdon (Lew-Port), Shayllah Heigl, Adia Nestoros, Penelope Ormsby and Nathanial Quinn (All Barker); 6: Riley Meehan (Barker) and Hope Rasch (Holy Ghost).
