Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Author’s Note, a bookstore on Main Street in Medina, hosted a book talk from two graphic novel authors and illustrators on Tuesday evening.

Graphic novels are the fastest growing segment in market share and popularity among youth literature, said Julie Berry, owner of the bookstore.

Niki Smith is the creator of the book, “Midsummer Sisters.” She flew in from Munich, Germany to attend the book discussion. Smith also said she was visiting friends in Rochester.

Smith presents a stunning story set during a summer of change. Filled with gorgeous and expressive illustrations, Midsummer Sisters is a celebration of the beauty of wild horses, as powerful as the unbreakable bond between sisters, Berry said.

Smith also is the author and artist of The Deep & Dark Blue and The Golden Hour.

Katie Risor of Syracuse is author and illustrator of “Welcome to the Forest: The Lake Trip.” The book is the sequel to Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party.

Risor, a Texas native, said her illustrations are inspired from her growing up years in Texas and also her more recent experiences in Syracuse and Upstate New York, especially the lakes, trees and state parks.

The Welcome to the Forest series includes endearing forest friends. Risor’s stories are a heartfelt invitation to slow down and savor the small wonders of the world.

Julie Berry, owner of Author’s Note, welcomes the two authors and illustrators to the bookstore at 519 Main St. in Medina.

Photos courtesy of Medina Central School: A group photo of students and staff are shown on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – From June 3-5, a group of Medina 8th grade students explored Washington, D.C. and its rich history. The trip marks the culmination of a two-year study of United States history, government, and the individuals and events that have shaped our nation.

Throughout the trip, students were able to make meaningful connections to their classroom learning in history, literature, and science while experiencing these topics firsthand. As Kaisen McEwen Miller shared after seeing the Washington Monument,

“Photographs don’t do it justice,” a sentiment echoed by many during the trip.

On Wednesday evening, students embarked on a guided night tour of the monuments and memorials, narrated by 8th grade social studies teacher Joe Byrne. Students also contributed to the experience by sharing research they had completed in their English classes with Mrs. Rosenbeck, adding depth and perspective to each stop. Evalyn Ryan was especially impressed by the Lincoln Memorial, noting, “Seeing it in person is better than pictures and videos.”

Thursday morning began with a powerful visit to the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. Students observed a moment of silence at 9:37 a.m., the exact time of the plane’s impact, as the flowing water beneath each of the 184 memorial benches temporarily stopped. This moving tribute left a lasting impression on the group.

Students listen to the story of Holocaust survivor Rose-Helene Spreiregen.

Later that morning, students visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, where they had the rare opportunity to hear from Holocaust survivor Rose-Helene Spreiregen. Students were able to listen to her story and ask questions, making for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Avery Twitchell reflected, “It’s an experience I think everyone should go see and learn about—it’s a big part of history,” adding that her classmates “took their time to take it all in.”

Keegan Farnham noted that his favorite part was the exhibit on Daniel’s Story, which connected directly to a play the class had read earlier in the year.

In the afternoon, students explored several Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History. Despite the 92-degree heat, spirits remained high as students enjoyed some downtime with souvenir shopping, ice cream, and snow cones while taking in the atmosphere of the nation’s capital.

Lily Hungerford shared, “I really liked walking around D.C. and getting to see the city

and people.”

Thursday evening provided a chance for students to relax and celebrate their experiences with a DJ dinner cruise along the Potomac River. Lauren Allis said she “had a lot of fun dancing with friends” and capturing photos on the deck at sunset, calling it “a great way to end the day after going to four museums.”

The trip continued Friday with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where students witnessed the solemn and awe-inspiring Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In addition, from a distance, they observed a traditional military burial complete with a caisson and riderless horse, offering a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces.

Before departing for home, students visited the National Zoo, where they were able to see the giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao. Tyler Draper especially enjoyed this stop, noting that “it was great to see all the cool animals that you may not see in zoos near home.”

Overall, the trip provided an invaluable educational experience while creating lasting memories for students and staff alike. The opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences made this journey both meaningful and memorable for all involved.

The trip was made possible through the continued support of Medina parents, teachers, school board, and administrators in conjunction with First Choice Educational Tours in Batavia.

A group photo of students has fun at the Albert Einstein Memorial, a bronze statue in Washington D.C.