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10-Year-Old Pittsburgh Native Writes Children's Book Book about Inclusion and Diversity published by Pennsylvania Non-Profit

March 18, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10-Year-Old Pittsburgh Native Writes Children’s Book
Book about Inclusion and Diversity published by Pennsylvania Non-Profit

Pittsburgh, PA – After a Mikayla’s Voice inclusion assembly at Hoover Elementary School, 10-year-old Holden Frye was inspired to write a children’s fiction book about the non-profit’s logo, a ladybug with one yellow spot. Dot is a “teenage ladybug with a cool and different look, and life is good…but it wasn’t always that way.” The challenges she faces are relatable to any child who has ever felt different.

Holden, now age 11, will return to his elementary school to read his book titled, “The SpOt,” to the entire student body as the highlight of a school-wide celebration of inclusion. Holden is also one of 24 students who will unveil a wheelchair painting project they completed.

Carole Clancy, Pennsylvania’s Director of Special Education at the PA Department of Education, plans to attend and will present Holden with an award. In reference to the award, Dr. Sherri Smith, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education shared “It is a true privilege to recognize students that exemplify the values of the Pennsylvania Department of Education of equity, inclusion, and belonging.  We are so proud of Mr. Holden Frye for his accomplishments and for being a role model for all our students. Congratulations Holden!”

Thanks to a donation from The Law Offices of Steidl & Steinberg, Mikayla’s Voice will be able to gift a copy of Holden’s book to every kindergarten and first-grade class in Allegheny County. Partnering with them on this project is Achieva, a disability services and advocacy organization, that will coordinate book distribution to 43 school districts and a dozen charter schools during the month of April.

WHAT:     School-wide book reading and art unveiling
WHERE:   Hoover Elementary School, 37 Robb Hollow Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15243
DATE:       Friday, March 18, 2022
TIMES:     1:15-2 p.m., K-2 presentation
                   2:15-3 p.m., 3-5 presentation

A picture containing text, indoor, personA picture containing text, person, indoor, wallDescription automatically generatedA person painting a pictureDescription automatically generated with medium confidence 





High resolution images available.

ATTN. EDITORS:
Media coverage is invited and welcome at either presentation, but please notify Kristen if you plan to attend the event and/or wish to interview someone from the school district. For more information about the book’s publication or donation and/or set up an interview with Mikayla’s Voice founder, Kimberly Resh, and author Holden Frye, please contact Lisa.
                                Kristen James                                                                   Lisa Razza
                   Mt. Lebanon School District                                                      Achieva
                    Director of Communications                                       Director of Communications
                   kjames@mtlsd.net                                                lrazza@achieva.info
                            412.344.2026                                                              412.995.5000 Ext. 410

Mikayla’s Voice
https://www.mikaylasvoice.org/
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded to include kids of all abilities, Mikayla’s Voice challenges kids to create a kinder, more inclusive world where everyone has a friend. All students should feel valued and welcome in their school and community ~ and understand that it’s their responsibility to help others to feel the same. Mikayla’s Voice virtual and in-person programming for children and young adults encourages inclusion and builds positive and equitable culture in our schools and communities.

The SpOt
https://www.mikaylasvoice.org/product/the-spot/
A picture containing graphical user interfaceDescription automatically generatedThe SpOt is the fourth book written and illustrated by children for other kids about having a friend with a disability published by Mikayla’s Voice. Kids are sometime the best teachers because they know what will be most meaningful to other children. Brady is challenged by autism, Mikayla was born with a brain injury, Jeffrey has Down syndrome, and Dot has a yellow spot, but these books are about much more than their main characters or their differences. They are about friendship. And kindness. Invaluable messages for kids of all ages and abilities. All proceeds benefit Mikayla’s Voice.




Achieva
https://www.achieva.info/

Achieva is a non-profit organization located in southwestern Pennsylvania providing lifelong support to people with disabilities and their families. Achieva envisions a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance. Services range from early intervention therapies and employment supports to special needs trusts and supports in the home and community. Achieva advocates for, empowers, and supports people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives. Achieva and its family of organizations are affiliated with The Arc of Pennsylvania and The Arc of the United States.