11.18.15
Canon Solutions America, Inc., a wholly owned ubsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it unveiled its tenth published book written by student participants of the Future Authors Project, a uniquely beneficial program for young aspiring writers offered through a public-private partnership between Canon Solutions America and the School District of Palm Beach County, Florida. Aptly titled Words, the newest edition was unveiled during the tenth anniversary of the Future Authors Project and convened at the city of Boca Raton Spanish River Library. The celebratory event was highlighted by a book signing by the talented young authors.
This year’s inspiring event brought together middle and high school students throughout Palm Beach County and even included select readings from some of the newly published authors. Esteemed members from the county and school district, including Boca Raton’s Deputy Mayor Robert Weinroth, spoke as well with passion and admiration for a group of students so committed to their craft.
“This is the most inspiring time of the work year for me,” said Eric Hawkinson, senior director, Marketing, Production Print Solutions, Canon Solutions America. “To be involved in this program with such great people who stay so dedicated to education, and to see these students push themselves and potentially begin their careers as touted authors, is really something special that Canon is privileged to be a part of.”
Earlier in the year, over 50 students from Palm Beach County spent eight days in a writing workshop taught by licensed language arts teachers from the district: Nicole Adamo and Katrina Sapp Holder, who teach at Don Estridge Middle School in Boca Raton; Cartheda Mann, who has taught language arts at Glades Central Community High School for 16 years; and Diana Fedderman, director of Secondary Education in Palm Beach County. Since the inception of the program, more than 500 students have become solidified published authors, with some going on to professional careers with publications like the Huffington Post and Cosmopolitan.
“Fostering an appreciation for writing and further developing the writing skills of our dynamic and talented students is something I am undoubtedly committed to along with our great team,” said Fedderman. There is no limit to what these students can accomplish. I am pleased to work with a team that truly values the written word and its resounding impact.”
Through the tireless efforts of educators like Fedderman, aspiring authors have benefited from the comprehensive workshop that each year includes presentations from noteworthy published authors who donate their time to share firsthand experiences and insightful writing tips. The 2015 edition of the program included poet Dwight Stewart, author of two thought-provoking books of poetry; Zelda Benjamin, a pediatric nurse and writer with a fervent passion for storytelling; Bob Forbes, author of three books of poetry for children, including BEAST FRIENDS FOREVER!, Animal Lovers in Rhyme, published in 2013; Brian Bandell, novelist and award-winning business journalist for the South Florida Business Journal; and Ilana Jacqueline, author of the award-winning health blog, Let’s Feel Better, and participant of the inaugural Young Authors workshop.
School District of Palm Beach County Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Karen Whetsell added, “Programs like this would not be possible without the students, their families, and a group of individuals who inherently understand that education, of any kind, is paramount to sustained success. These new authors furthermore prove that this country’s young minds are fully aware of the impact their imaginations and words can have on society.”
Ten years ago, the Future Authors Project began as a community outreach program by Canon Solutions America’s predecessor, Océ North America. Designed to stimulate young minds and inspire middle and high school students to consider careers in writing and publishing, the program has grown exponentially over the last decade and continues to embody what an effective and goodwill public-private collaboration can be.
“Thanks to great partners and likeminded people interested in helping the students of today shape tomorrow, the Future Authors Project is poised to grow even further in the next ten years,” added Hawkinson. “We are very much excited to see just how far this great program can go and to watch the young students continue their growth as published authors.”
csa.canon.com
