A Night of Stories, Adventures, and Imagination: Literacy Night at Burns!

This past Thursday, our campus transformed into a world of stories, characters, and hands-on adventures as families joined us for an unforgettable Literacy Night. From the moment guests stepped onto campus, it felt as if the pages of a favorite book had come alive, guiding them through each corner of Burns with something new to discover.

The adventure began in the gym, where families were handed a map to guide them on their journey. Outside, Kona Ice awaited on the patio, and our incredible FFA team served hot dogs through the concession stand. Ms. Brannen offered delicious popcorn by donation to support the 6th-grade EPIC field trip, giving families a tasty way to help a great cause.

Once inside the gym doors, an entire world of activity unfolded. Face painting stations and our very own fairy hair artist, Cici, added sparkle and color to the night. Stunt performer Doug Danger met guests and signed autographs, while Mr. McDonald & Co. hosted a live episode of the BST Podcast, offering families a behind-the-scenes experience. Around the corner, the cast of our upcoming Willy Wonka Jr. transformed the weight room into a cozy reading nook, sharing stories with young listeners. Families browsed delightful baked goods, picked up “blind date” books wrapped in mystery, and joined Mrs. Lagana in creating miniature books to take home.

With a map in hand, families continued their journey toward the Cafeteria. There, Mr. Z led an interactive classroom experience that blended learning and fun in the way only he can. Nearby, the ENO Ladies welcomed guests into the Book Fair, where shelves of brand-new books invited students to begin fresh literary adventures of their own.

From there, the path led onward to the Literacy Lab, where creativity flourished at every turn. Students moved through hands-on activity stations, crafting pilgrim hats, designing sheriff’s badges, and creating colorful beaded bracelets and necklaces. Excited chatter and laughter filled the room as children and families created projects they proudly carried with them for the rest of the night.

While traveling between stations, families encountered the voices of our celebrity readers, each one bringing stories to life with enthusiasm and heart. Among them were our own K–6 Assistant Principal, Mrs. Floyd; Adrienne Romberger, author of Ticket to Space; Edgewater Mayor Diezel Depew, and city council members Charlotte Gillis and Eric Rainbird. Lieutenant Bryan and deputies from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Department joined as well, along with 6th-grade teacher Mr. Hall, board member Richard Paczkowski, Oak Hill Mayor Ricky Taylor, and city council member Carrie Werning. Their storytelling filled the halls with warmth, laughter, and the magic that only a well-told story can create.

Every stop on the Literacy Night journey offered a new chapter, a new character, or a new experience. It was an evening that celebrated reading not just as a skill, but as an adventure full of imagination, creativity, connection, and discovery.

From beginning to end, Literacy Night had something for everyone. It was as magical, warm, and engaging as the best-loved stories on our shelves, and a beautiful reminder of how powerful it is when a community comes together to celebrate the joy of reading.

Literacy Night '25