Howitt Middle School hosted Genre Con on May 13, 2023. Genre Con is a celebration of art, literature, and pop culture organized by the Howitt Genre Con Committee. The day was packed with author visits, writers’ workshops, drawing lessons, contests, and photo ops.
“I am so excited to bring Genre Con back for the fifth time,” said Howitt Middle School librarian Julie Ehrenpreis. “We are thrilled to provide a fun-filled event for our students. Now, more than ever, our students need something engaging to participate in.”
The event kicked off with award-winning author Gordon Korman speaking to students about his career and how he wrote his first book when he was in seventh grade. Korman joined GenreCon virtually and took the time to answer questions from all the students. Another popular activity at Howitt Middle School was sketching lessons from Science Fiction and Fantasy illustrator David O. Miller. Students practiced drawing while Miller guided them and answered questions.
Farmingdale students were also treated to several engaging activities—scavenger hunts, costume contests, crafts, and photo ops with Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, and Troopers from the 501st Legion.
HMS Genre Con Committee, 2023: Julie Ehrenpreis, Samantha Black, Chris Blair, Audra Donroe, Maria Hallahan, Kristina Hilton, Pablo Lizana, Sue Reilly, and Yurema Torres