District 88 hosts ‘Author in the House’ event

On April 18, District 88 hosted its annual “Author in the House” program.

This year’s event took place at Willowbrook and featured Arshay Cooper, who is a rower, an IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award-winning author, the protagonist of the critically acclaimed film “A Most Beautiful Thing,” a Golden Oar recipient for his contributions to the sport of rowing, a motivational speaker and an activist – particularly around issues of accessibility for low-income families.

According to www.arshaycooper.com, Cooper joined the country’s first all-black high school rowing team in 1997 at Manley Career Academy High School in Chicago and later became captain of the group. Cooper’s award-winning memoir that chronicles his high school rowing career, “A Most Beautiful Thing,” was recently adapted into a film, which can be viewed on Amazon Prime, Peacock and Xfinity Comcast. Cooper is deeply passionate about motivating individuals and organizations to be the best version of themselves and has spoken at top corporations, universities and nonprofits.

During his visit to Willowbrook, Cooper – along with his high school rowing teammates Alvin Ross, Preston Grandberry and Malcolm Hawkins – presented to District 88 students and staff about being positive agents of change in their communities. They were introduced by Willowbrook seniors Sarah Ball, Acer Esparza, Jane Goodhart and Donovan Kincaid, who shared how Cooper's story has influenced their lives. Joining them on stage was Mike Wallin, with the Chicago Rowing Foundation. The team members also hosted breakout sessions, where they answered questions and participated in small-group conversations with students enrolled in U.S. History, Equity and Justice in America and Hidden Voices, as well as members of the Willowbrook Black Organization for Student Success (BOSS).

To watch the presentation, click on the video above. To view a photo gallery, see the images below.

Willowbrook social studies teacher Vic Wisner and special education teacher Mary Doro have incorporated Cooper’s story into their classroom curriculum for several years and have continued to communicate with him and his teammates. Through their connection, as well as the work of the Library Media Center, the Willowbrook Social Studies Department and the administration, the district was able to coordinate having Cooper and the rowing team as this year’s “Author in the House.”

To view photo captions, click on the images below.