FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Over 200 students in Floyd County had the extraordinary opportunity to share their creative writings with the community through the 27th annual celebration of the Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child family literacy program. This beloved initiative, a collaboration between WMDJ radio and the Floyd County School District, continues to inspire and highlight student voices across the region.
The program, held on December 8, 2024, at Floyd Central High School, featured a special guest appearance by Santa Claus himself, who delighted attendees with his North Pole charm.
“Our students truly shine through this program, and their work reflects the creativity, heart, and talent we foster in Floyd County Schools,” said Floyd County Schools Interim Superintendent Larry Hammond. “This event is a testament to the incredible collaboration between our schools, the radio station, and our sponsors. Together, we’re building a tradition that celebrates literacy and family involvement in a powerful way.”
Through this program, students write original pieces in their classes, which are then judged at both the school and district levels. Faculty from Big Sandy Community and Technical College evaluate entries, selecting individual winners and awarding the prestigious Silver Salute Award to schools meeting specific criteria.
This year, Prestonsburg High School proudly earned the Silver Salute Award.
“Seeing our students’ writings published in a keepsake book and hearing their voices on the radio is magical,” said Carolyn Curry, program coordinator for Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child. “This program not only promotes literacy but also builds confidence in our students as they share their unique perspectives with the community.”
The 2024 keepsake book featuring the winning student entries, and a copy of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg has been distributed to all participants. A copy of the keepsake book is available on the district’s website.
Special thanks go to sponsors Dr. Chip Salyers at Commonwealth Chiropractic Center, State Wide Press, Onyx Coal, Mt. Comprehensive Care, and the Highlands Foundation for providing funding to produce the keepsake book. Additionally, Ricky Wells, a teacher at Floyd Central High, and his students lent their technical expertise to record the event for social media.
The Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child program, the creation of Dr. Patricia Watson, was launched in 1998 and continues to be a cherished tradition in Floyd County. This year’s celebration was another resounding success, demonstrating the power of community and creativity to enrich students’ lives.
