LIMA — Lima Perry Elementary School was full of smiling kids and tie-dyed shirts Wednesday as nearly 300 people attended the “Feelin Groovy” Family Fun Night at the school.
The district holds the event annually to round out the year and celebrate Right-To-Read Week.
“We like to host this event every year because we like to share our love of reading with the kids,” said Lisa Henline, a second-grade teacher at the school and coordinator of the event. “We have it every year in May to get the parents out of the house for a little bit with their children.”
Every person in attendance was given a ticket for a book basket raffle. Other events included a book fair, two craft rooms, children’s games, pictures on the stage with a 1970s background, snow cones. The sixth grade also showed off bio boards in their classrooms. The “Feelin Groovy” theme was meant to represent the ’70s, and plenty of people attending dressed the part.
Attendees also heard a speech from youth advocate and publisher Al Duncan on succeeding and refusing to ever give up, even when you fail.
Duncan is the founder of Youth Scribes, a free marketing and fundraising program that allows schools and youth organizations to raise money by publishing books written by their students.
Duncan was born to teenage parents, raised poverty-stricken and was molested as a child. His father was also addicted to crack cocaine.
“I was left devastated but not defeated,” Duncan said.
Duncan said he was able to press on and become a professional saxophone player and a professional chef, as well as being an executive producer and co-host of his own television show.
“I try to keep my message simple,” Duncan said. “One, circumstances do not determine where you are, your choices do. Two, failure is only permanent if you quit.”
Duncan said it was important for children to learn from failure and move on.
“That is how you will become successful,” he said.
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