Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1500904
T H E L I F E L O N G I M P A C T o f c a r i n g educators was on display in Apple Valley earlier this year when a New York Times Bestselling author returned to his ele- mentary school to read his new children's book to students from his hometown. Bre n t H . R o b i n s o n v i si t e d D e s e r t Knolls Elementary School on Read Across America Day (March 2) to read from "Fer- guson's Forest," delivering a signed copy to every first-grade student at the school. Robinson said the experience was surreal. "Returning to my hometown to read my first children's book to students who were sitting in the same spot I sat as a child was a dream come true for me," he says. "I was truly honored." Robinson was invited to read at Des- ert Knolls by his former second-grade t each er, Mar tha L op ez, a m emb er of Apple Valley Unified Teachers Association (AVUTA). She says the event was a treat for her students and heartwarming for her as well. " T h e k i d s w e re e x c i t e d t o m e e t a real live author and get a signed book and bookmark, and I was a very proud teacher that day knowing on e of my students was not only successful , but generous and kindhearted to return to his hometown, give back and share his life experience," says Lopez. "He is an inspiration." R o b i n s o n s a y s h e remembers Lopez fondly, explaining that her unique personality and special sense of humor stayed with him throughout his life. "Mr s . L o p ez m a d e m e re a li z e a s a child that if you're comfortable being yourself, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to in life," he says. Lopez had a surprise for Robinson , b r i n g i n g h i s k i n d e rga r t e n , f i r st a n d th i rd - g ra d e t e a c h e r s — S h a u n Ri c k- erl, Mar y Swanson (retired) and Marie Va s t i n e , m e m b e r s o f AV U TA — for a tou ch - ing moment. " W hen I saw each of them standing there, my entire world shifted with delight," Robinson says. " These are the teachers who started my educa- tional journey and made me appreciate how important education is in a child's life." An accomplished author of mystery novels and screenplays, Robin- son's "Ferguson's Forest" is his first "These are the teachers who started my education journey and made me appreciate how important education is in a child's life." Robinson flanked by his former kindergarten through third grade teachers (from left): Shaun Rickerl, Mary Swanson, Martha Lopez and Marie Vastine Every first grade student received a signed copy of Robinson's new book on Read Across America Day in March. Bestselling Author Returns Home Brent H. Robinson credits educators for supporting him as budding writer By Julian Peeples Continued on Page 47 45 J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 3 C