Author and literacy advocate Stan Tucker returned to Palermo Elementary School for his third trip to Mexico Academy & Central School District, spending the day sharing stories and inspiring students to embrace the power of reading and writing.

Tucker met with the entire school as well as individual grade levels, reading to students and speaking about the importance of literacy and learning to write at a young age. His engaging style and encouragement sparked excitement among students eager to tell their own stories.

In addition to his visit to Palermo, Tucker also spent time at Mexico Elementary and New Haven Elementary. At each building, he met with small groups of third- and fourth-grade students, inviting them to join his writer’s club. The club challenges students to grow as authors and storytellers with the goal of some being published through Tucker’s company.

Tucker’s return visit reinforced the importance of creativity, storytelling and perseverance — and left students inspired to pick up a pen and share their voices.