FHSU University Relations and Marketing
Health will be the theme of the 2016 Young Readers’ Conference, “A Recipe for Healthy Living,” at Fort Hays State University. Speakers teach kids all about staying healthy through fun learning activities.
Sessions will focus on physical fitness, music and mental wellness integrated into literacy.
Events will be held in Gross Memorial Coliseum and Cunningham Hall and will welcome 200 first- to second-grade students and their adults sponsors on Tuesday, Sept. 27, and 200 third- to fifth-grade students and their sponsors on Wednesday, Sept.28.
The day will start out with guest keynote speaker Monte Selby, an education songwriter.
Selby is a former principal of Felten Middle School in Hays and taught vocal music in Hays USD 489. He now lives in Colorado.
Following Selby’s presentation, students will separate into four sessions that will be on rotation throughout the day.
The event will also feature FHSU faculty member Seth Kastle, instructor of leadership studies/Virtual College International, who will present his new books “Why is Dad So Mad?” and “Why is Mom So Mad?” that help explain what post-traumatic stress disorder is to children.
“I will talk about the importance of mental health because of the context of my books,” said Kastle. “This is a huge part of the ‘Recipe for Healthy Living.’” Kastle will also donate a number of books to the Young Readers Conference.
Dr. Beth Walizer, professor of teacher education, has been in charge of the event for several years and shared the joys of being a part of it along with some struggles that are faced every time FHSU hosts the conference.
“The biggest challenges we face every year when we host the Young Readers Conference are costs, but we do our best to keep prices low so the students can afford to come,” said Walizer. The committee also writes out various grants to institutions that make it possible for more students to attend.
But the struggles that are faced during the planning are rewarded once the students arrive. “I love seeing all of the joy and excitement on the kids’ faces,” said Walizer. “The greatest joy of it all is when they tell me how much fun their having.” Some kids have even written Walizer letters to thank her and tell her how much they loved it.