Over 100 Alton Students Become Authors Through Local Program

ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 students had the opportunity to write their own books.

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, over 100 students and their families gathered at Alton High School for the annual Young Authors banquet. Kids in kindergarten through eighth grade had the chance to enter the Young Authors program, which encouraged them to write and illustrate their stories. Jody Meggos, the district’s Director of Curriculum, expressed her excitement to share this experience with Alton’s students.

“I'm obviously incredibly proud,” she said. “It’s just a really wonderful event, recognizing students for branching out and doing some things independently from the classroom. It’s just always exciting. The kids always enjoy sharing what they've done. We’re incredibly proud of them, and they’re incredibly proud of themselves.”

Alton schools have participated in the Young Authors program for over 20 years, and they always have an impressive turnout. The banquet on March 11 allowed the students to share their stories with one another. Every student received a trophy for their participation, and they were able to read their stories aloud to their peers.

The Young Authors program encourages students to create their books in their own time. Most students work closely with their families to write and illustrate their books. Meggos noted that it’s a great chance for families to come together and support their kids through the creative process.

Not only is it a way to improve their writing skills, but Meggos pointed out that the Young Authors program pushes students to develop their voices. The kids can share their thoughts and ideas in a creative way. This is an important part of Alton’s mission, as they want to empower kids to speak up, create, and share their stories.

“I think what’s most important is when students take the opportunity to write, their voices are heard in a different way, maybe a more meaningful, more impactful way,” Meggos added. “It’s another way for their voice to be heard.”

As the kids celebrated their stories, Meggos was proud of them for their hard work and eager to continue the Young Authors program next year.

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