At Muscatine High School we have a visiting author, Randy Ribay coming to speak to students in collaboration with the Stanley Center for Peace and Security Global Education initiative. On Friday, March 7th, MHS students have the rare opportunity to meet this award-winning author. His most notable book was Patron Saints of Nothing. This visit is part of a broader narrative to bring diverse voices and perspectives to Muscatine.
All 10th, 11th, and 12th grade standard English students will be excused from their 5th and 6th periods.
While the event is mandatory for 10th, 11th, and 12th students, MHS is also extending the invitation to other students who are interested in this opportunity. Ultimately, the opportunity could positively impact a student’s choice to read or not to read.
Jen Keltner, one of the event organizers and MHS Librarian, claimed that “ it’s a great way to get students excited about reading. Everyone loves stories, so hearing more about the story from the author is what draws students into the books they read.”
Ribay’s work, particularly Patron Saints of Nothing, has resonated with students in English 10 for several years, offering insights into Filipino culture, identity, and immigration experience.
“Literature is such an important part of our culture and it’s rare that MHS students get to meet the actual person behind the book,” said Keltner.
By meeting this author, students who are interested in becoming authors will have the chance to gain insight from an actual author about the creative process and learn about the experiences that shaped how he writes.
Additionally, the event provides students with the opportunity to connect with themes and ideas explored in his books.
The importance of this event extends beyond simply meeting the author as it serves as a way for students to engage with stories outside of their own cultures.
“I hope it inspires students to read more books outside of the culture in which they were raised,” said Jen Keltner, “By attending this event, students will gain a broader understanding of literature and storytelling, and perhaps even discover a newfound passion for writing.”
Meeting a successful, published author could serve as an inspiration for students who have the desire to write their own book.
Randy Ribay’s visit to MHS on March 7th represents more than just a school event; it’s an opportunity. Bringing an author of this caliber to MHS fosters a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling and the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.
Following the presentation there will be a small group writing workshop from 2:15 to 3:30 pm in the library. This workshop will provide students with a more intimate setting to engage with the author and explore writing techniques.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to Jen Keltner.
