Creative Firsts: Middle School "Draw-a-Thon" Celebrates Summer Reading and Art

Seventh and eighth-grade students kicked off the school year with a creative spin on summer reading, taking inspiration from Dan Santat’s graphic memoir, A First Time for Everything.

While reading Santat's work over the break, students were asked to reflect on a memorable "first-time" experience from their own summer. Upon returning to campus, they brought in short journal entries and sketches, which they expanded into five-panel comic strips by incorporating core story arcs and graphic novel techniques.

After outlining and drafting in class, students gathered for a lively "Draw-a-Thon" to bring their final artwork to life. Surrounded by music and energetic collaboration, they spent two hours putting the finishing touches on their projects. Led by English teachers Yulie Lee and Claudia Sousa – with support from faculty across several disciplines – the event turned into a true community celebration of creativity.