Bestselling Author Jen Calonita Inspires Willets Road Fifth Graders to Embrace the Magic of Storytelling

📸 Photo Caption: Willets Road School students Lily Orphal, Romeesa Husain, Zayna Khan, Zahra Islam, Shannon Laffey, and Benjamin Davydov had the exciting opportunity to meet bestselling author Jen Calonita alongside librarian Karen Homer.

📷 Photos courtesy of the East Williston Union Free School District.

By Williston Post Staff

Fifth-grade students at Willets Road School recently experienced the magic of storytelling firsthand with a visit from bestselling author Jen Calonita. Thanks to the Willets Road PTO and the school’s Cultural Arts Program, the event brought an exciting blend of inspiration, creativity, and hands-on writing to young aspiring authors.

During her visit, Calonita captivated students with her journey—from a young magazine journalist to a renowned fiction writer. She shared insights into her creative process, encouraging students to tap into their imaginations and embrace the power of storytelling.

One of the highlights of the event was an interactive writing workshop, where students selected fairy tale and fictional characters and used brainstorming techniques to develop new, imaginative story ideas. Under Calonita’s expert guidance, the young writers learned how to turn ideas into compelling narratives, reinforcing that every great story starts with a spark of creativity.

“This visit was more than just an author meet-and-greet—it was an opportunity to foster a love of storytelling, encourage creative expression, and empower students to see themselves as writers,” said Director of Middle School Life Anshu Prabha. “Thanks to the Willets Road PTO and Cultural Arts Program, the students left inspired, eager to write, and with a newfound appreciation for the magic of storytelling.”

The enthusiasm in the room was palpable, as students eagerly brought their personal copies of Calonita’s books to be signed and shared their own written stories with her. The event not only deepened their love for reading but also sparked a passion for creative writing—a skill that will serve them for years to come.