04/16/2026
More Than a Book Club—This Was A Masterclass in Intentional Learning
The “Under the Goal Post Book Club” was the title, but the experience was a true adventure. Yesterday, I had the incredible privilege of reading My Trip To Jamaica: The Land We Love to the preschoolers at East Liverpool Preschool in Ohio.
The intentionality began the moment I arrived. Coordinated by Deborah Oberlein of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, in partnership with the school district and Student Ambassador Aiden Durst, this wasn’t just a reading; it was a major production. Aiden is a young man of immense vision, supported by a dedicated community including Director of Communications Megan Hoffrichter Hernandez, board leaders, and teachers like Olivia Brant, Miranda Cunningham, and Sydney Dawson.
The Experience:
The layout was breathtaking. The team designed four immersive stations featuring:
• Cultural Immersion: Jamaican flags, tropical fruits, and vibrant music.
• The Journey: Suitcases packed with souvenirs for the kids to take home, globes for orientation and navigation, and even “travel snacks” in drawstring bags.
• Student Excellence: East Liverpool High School Career Tech students manned the cameras and captured every moment with professional precision.
The Impact:
After being mic’d up, I shared the story of Jamaica and my own travel experiences. Seeing the community m, the staff, volunteers, and mentors, work tirelessly to support Aiden’s vision was a powerful reminder of what happens when we invest in our future leaders.
My takeaway for educators and mentors:
If you want to inspire, create environments that go beyond the traditional learning environment. Being “extra” is exactly what it should feel like when you are intentionally shaping the next generation.
Thank you to Aiden, Toys for Tots - Ohio, AT Wilson, and the entire EAST LIVERPOOL CITY SCHOOLS DISTRICT & community. You are making a difference!
• • • Mentorship • ToysForTots
