Houston nonprofit iWRITE Literacy Organization honored 100 student authors and illustrators on Saturday at the 10th Anniversary iWRITE Luncheon & Book Signing. The event focused on stories on international culture and honored seven women who exemplify global leadership and represent the seven continents of the world. Honorees included Alex Blair, Dr. Seun Adigun, Lisa Helfman, Donatella Benckenstein, Dr. Sippi Khurana, Dr. Meenakshi Wadhwa and Dr. Louise Owen. The “for kids, by kids” event, was emceed by iWRITE published author and actor Chase Alexander and the featured artist was Mario E. Figueroa, Jr., artistically known as GONZO247. Figueroa created a custom art piece on canvas to be auctioned off online at www.iwrite.org.
More than 400 guests were in attendance, and the organization raised more than $100,000 to support the organization’s in school and after school writing programs in addition to plans for expansion. Additional writing and public speaking workshops will allow students to learn creative writing skills and practice various forms of self expression. Workshops and summer camps will be held at literacy partner locations and Houston Public Library locations in 2020.
“This was one of our most successful events to date, and it truly represented Houston,” said Melissa Williams Murphy, children’s author and Founder of iWRITE. “Through the years, we’ve published 687 student authors and illustrators from 11 different countries resulting in more than 11,000 anthologies that have gone to print. We know that creativity and freedom of expression are essential to building confidence among kids. I’m proud of the work we’ve done and will continue to do in the milestone year.”
Luncheon guests were encouraged to wear traditional attire reflecting their culture and heritage.
The celebration began with a book signing where guests had the opportunity to have their own copy of the anthology signed by the student authors and illustrators. Following the book signing, the kids made a grand entrance into the main event space, where the program commenced. Speakers included Beisan An, a student published author from Beijing, Reverend Gregory Han of Interfaith Ministries and honoree Dr. Seun Adigun who is the first African to participate in both the Summer & Winter Olympics, and is a Chiropractor and Biomechanist.
The Editor’s Choice recipient for story was 11th grader Fiza Kuzhiyil and for poetry was 5th grader Prisha Shivani. Both read their international fiction pieces to guests.
To schedule an interview with Melissa Williams or any of the 2019 published student authors and illustrators, please contact Ashley Small at 281-827-3419 or at ashley@medley-inc.com.
ABOUT IWRITE LITERACY ORGANIZATION:
Founded in 2009, the iWRITE Non-Profit Organization builds student confidence through writing. Every student who participates in iWRITE programs becomes a better writer, and through their story characters,discovers something new about themselves and others. The organization has professionally published over 650 students across the globe in the 3rd-12th grade and work with thousands of students inside Houston elementary schools with our “i” The Guy mascot and creative writing program. Students in their programs become more confident, which opens the door to opportunities they never had before.
To learn more about iWRITE, please visit https://iwrite.org. For more information about Melissa Williams, please visit www.melissamwilliamsauthor.com.
