Student ambassadors showcase culture as storyteller visits Granger

Tales of determination and perseverance spun by a nationally known storyteller brought students together at Granger Middle School in Aurora as they celebrated Black History Month.

Twenty-five specially appointed student ambassadors took the lead as Oba William King told stories to Granger students late last month.

"It was an opportunity for them to put something together that showcased part of their culture and an opportunity for them to be proud of their culture," Granger Principal Laurie Fiorenza said.

The ambassadors escorted King through the building, set up and cleaned up after a special lunch they ate with him, and some even teamed with family and consumer science teacher Ginne Gates to bake cookies for the occasion.

The visit followed an exercise in which some students researched the accomplishments of an African American figure from the present or past to find out how determination and perseverance made that person's success come true, Fiorenza said.

King shared stories with all students in three separate presentations, one for each grade level. At the end of his visit, some students got to participate in a writers workshop and learn some of his tricks.

After a rhyming warm-up exercise, King led students in a "share-out," in which they got to read their own poetry.

"Students were just really excited about the opportunity to be creative," Fiorenza said, "and the opportunity to always learn and share some of their work."