Award-winning author Shay Youngblood

brings inspirational message to Albany elementary students

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 11, 2007) -- Award-winning author Shay Youngblood was a surprise visitor to Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology on Oct. 11, delivering an inspiring message about the power of persistence to an assembly for students in grades 4-6.

Ms. Youngblood, whose long list of novels, plays and short

stories includes “Big Mama’s Stories,” “Black Girl in Paris” and “Soul Kiss,” shared stories about her personal life experiences and the impact they had on her writing. She conveyed a strong message about the power of being persistent, of never giving up and embracing challenges.

“She was an awesome, inspirational speaker who motivated the students about writing and reading,” said TOAST Principal Rachelle Salerno, Ed.D.

A resident of Atlanta, Ms. Youngblood has been a professor of writing at Brown University, where she earned a master’s in creative writing, Columbia University, Dartmouth University and New York University. You can learn more about her and her work at Shay Youngblood's Home Page.

The City School District of Albany serves approximately 9,300 students in 19 elementary, middle and high schools. The district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students in addition to neighborhood schools. The district is more than halfway through its comprehensive facilities project to newly build and/or renovate nearly all of its elementary and middle schools. The ultimate goal of the facilities project is to provide schools with the resources necessary to help students succeed in the 21st century.