Young Authors is the title of the writing program I have developed and implemented in local 1st and 2nd Grade classrooms.  Together with my fabulous volunteers, I go into participating classrooms and work with the students to write, revise, edit, illustrate, and "publish" their own books.  The program culminates with an evening Book Signing and Book Sale event for families and friends.  The authors dress up, speak a little about their books, sign autographs, receive awards, and sell their books.  Proceeds from the sales go to fund supplies and to the ESME scholarship fund.  Young Authors began in Mrs. Almeida's 1st Grade classroom at Minden Elementary School in 2023 and grew to nine 1st and 2nd Grade classrooms in five different schools throughout Douglas County in 2024.  Over 175 young writers, nine teachers, four PDC Instructors, ten adult volunteers and five student volunteers participated in the program in 2024!  The program grew to all seven district elementary schools, about 280 young writers, 13 teachers, 19 adult volunteers, and seven student volunteers in 2025.  I'm excited to see what the future holds!   

2024

The ESME Foundation was able to give two $1,000 scholarships to two local Douglas High students in May 2024.  The recipients were David Johnson and Lila Kaufmann, two aspiring young educators.  I actually taught Lila when she was in Kindergarten and was thrilled to discover that she still wanted to become a teacher!