Shelf-Awareness: FFEA’s Book Drive Stacks Up Over 1,500 Titles for Palm Beach County

Luigina Iaia- Lifestyle Editor

In under two weeks, Spanish River High School students were able to collect a record-breaking 1,500 books for the Palm Beach County Book Drive. This opportunity was given to Sharks by the school’s Future Florida Educators of America (FFEA) club, a part of the Early Childhood Academy. It took a collective effort to reach such a staggering number, and the school’s hard work has helped the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County maximize its outreach. The impact of the drive has proven the power of reading, highlighting the importance of community involvement in bettering the future of literacy in our community.

Although the drive was welcomingly open to all Spanish River students, the Early Childhood Academy had a competition of its own, named the “Battle of the Books.” This encouraged Early Childhood Academy classes to collaborate and donate more, which was a key factor contributing to the drive's success. In the end, Level 4 eventually rose above the other classes, showcasing their intense commitment.

More than anyone, however, Senior President Christianna Diaz and Junior Vice President Ayden Sherman of FFEA were committed to helping the drive exceed expectations. The two worked together on the same page to motivate students to donate, and the result was stacked.

“As someone committed to bettering the world, I’m beyond excited to get to share the gift of literacy with growing readers of all ages. I am so proud of our team of future educators for taking this large step in the name of literary freedom,” Sherman said.

Sherman emphasizes the magnitude of the outreach the single drive was able to achieve throughout Palm Beach County. Moreover, he reflects on the meaning of collecting over 1,500 books. It is not just a number: it is a representation of the 1,500 new opportunities for learning, the 1,500 windows into new worlds, the 1,500 steps towards overall improved community literacy. From children’s books to adult novels, the vast variety of books accumulated meets the different needs of those in the county.

On the topic of Palm Beach County, all books were donated to the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, whose mission is to ensure that everyone in the county can read. The school’s book donations directly allow the Coalition to reach its goal by distributing them to underprivileged families, adult literacy classes, and children learning to read.

In truth, Palm Beach County has significant literacy challenges, with over 22% of adults lacking basic literacy skills and nearly half of third-grade students reading below grade level. For this reason, it is imperative that we celebrate the feat of 1,500 books, but also continually work to combat literacy challenges in the county. Our efforts do not stop here. 

Ultimately, this story is about the power of reading, considering that it can transform the lives of many. The FFEA, Early Childhood Academy, and Spanish River students have done an outstanding job inspiring the county about the importance of reading. Every single book collected thus far is a tangible act of generosity from the student body. The dedication and generosity of all participating students will undoubtedly help create a more informed, successful, and empowered community for years to come.