Character Con brings books to life at Bechtel and Ryukyu
Ryukyu Middle School (RYMS) and Bechtel Elementary School (BES) recently hosted Character Con, an exciting event that brought together students from both schools.
The event, held in the Pacific South District, was a celebration of creativity and imagination, hosted by information specialists from each school’s information center.
“We aimed to create a day that not only celebrates a love of reading but also brings characters from beloved books to life,” said Andrea Petz, the information specialist at RYMS. “By hosting a character con, students can have fun in the library, sharing their favorite characters in a vibrant and engaging way.”
Bechtel Elementary students enjoyed a day full of creative activities. Students in grades 3-5 learned how to create AI characters in the library information center, while younger students in grades 1-3 participated in a delightful book character parade through the middle school portion of the building, which was a highlight for both elementary and middle school students. Parent volunteers escorted classes, allowing seamless transitions.
A lively costume contest during lunch saw middle school students showcasing their best character costumes. Prizes were generously provided by the RYMS PTO, adding to the excitement and competitive spirit.
Middle school students also had the opportunity to participate in two engaging character-creation sessions in the library information center. The first session, “Creating Characters Using AI,” taught by RYMS and BES educational technologists, guided students in designing and illustrating unique characters using Adobe Express. The second session, “Cosplay Workshop with Mando Mercs Okinawa,” was a hit among Mandalorian fans, offering a hands-on experience in building Mandalorian costumes, from designing the armor to adding the finishing touches, with guidance from volunteers from the Mando Mercs of Okinawa.
“In addition to sharing a building, our schools share a community,” said Lisa Korkowski, information specialist at BES. “Our students are siblings and neighbors. Ms. Petz and I always seek ways to bring our libraries together, and Character Con was a perfect opportunity. Our elementary school book characters were overjoyed by the enthusiasm and welcome they received from the middle school students and teachers, and the day brought both schools closer.”
Character Con was a resounding success, fostering creativity and collaboration among students of all ages. Staff and parent volunteers played a crucial role in making the event a triumph. The event highlighted the strong community spirit and the importance of imaginative play in education.
