On March 24, Escalante High School is excited to host the 4th Annual Garfield County LitJam! This year’s theme is Speak Up! Write On – The Power of Words.
Our keynote speaker this year is New York Times Bestseller Nathan Hale. Every one of his Hazardous Tales has made the Times’ bestseller list and two have made it to the #1 spot: Underground Abductor and Alamo All Stars. His work has been nominated for an Eisner Award four times. Some of his earlier work was a collaboration with Dean and Shannon Hale for the reimagined fairy tales Rapunzel’s Revenge and Calamity Jack.
The LitJam committee also invites local authors and other professionals to present workshops. Topics range from telling personal stories, to writing song lyrics, to giving presentations.
Prior to the conference, students are encouraged to enter their work in a contest. The entries are scored and the best samples are read at a closing awards ceremony.
“The authors are cool and informative,” said Scott A., a former participating student in LitJam. “I’ve learned how to make a story interesting.”
Some of the purposes for LitJam are to inspire excitement for writing as a skill needed in all areas of life, showcase students’ writing, and spark creativity, critical thinking skills, and artistic expression through writing. It’s our hope as we connect writing to real-world applications and support students in discovering their unique voice that they will build confidence and perspective. In developing their communication skills, they will use writing as a medium for advocacy, leadership, and making a positive impact.
We have strengthened community connections by involving local presenters to engage with students and share their expertise and experiences through writing. By inviting the entire district, LitJam has fostered collaboration and unity across Garfield County, enjoying a shared writing conference experience.
– by Jenny Evans
Feature image caption: Utah author Janet Sumner Johnson presents as keynote speaker at the LitJam literacy conference at Escalante High School on March 19, 2024. This year’s keynote speaker will be Nathan Hale.
Read more about LitJam in Students Practice in Literacy at Escalante’s LitJam.