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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Texas-Based Children’s Book Author and Engineer Inspires Over 1,250 American Military-Connected Students in Germany
Students in Stuttgart learn about New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina, coastal erosion, and careers in civil engineering during visit from author Courtney Kelly.
DALLAS, TEXAS, April 25, 2023 (PRNewswire) – The journey of a Hurricane Katrina survivor’s ambitious dream to save New Orleans from flooding created an educational and fun experience for over 1,250 students during a March 2023 visit by author Courtney Kelly to three American military-connected elementary schools in Stuttgart, Germany. Through story time readings, a STEM-themed hands-on activity, and a writing workshop, kids in grades K-5 were able to interact with the author of Celeste Saves the City in a meaningful way.
The three-day tour began at Stuttgart Elementary School (SES) as students learned about Courtney Kelly’s life and experiences. Then came time for the reading of Celeste Saves the City. In the self-published book, Celeste is forced to evacuate from New Orleans because of Hurricane Katrina. She grows up to become a civil engineer who saves the city from flooding by building barrier islands that protect the coast and help preserve existing wetlands. Students were then given LEGOs and tasked with building their own barrier islands. This engaging activity connected the dots between the book and how they could become a civil engineer like Celeste. Once their masterpieces were completed, students showcased their creations. Thanks to the generosity of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the Harriet R. Tubman Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, each of the 550 students at SES received an autographed copy of the book.
"Courtney Kelly’s visit to Stuttgart Elementary School was everything we hoped it would be. As a military affiliated school overseas, we don’t have many opportunities for special guest speakers. The teachers and students alike praised her engagement with the students, and they loved the hands-on activity that correlated to the book. Her work is such an inspiration to the students at Stuttgart Elementary,” says Chanel Beebe, SES PTA’s Read Across America Chair.
At Robinson Barracks Elementary, 250 students participated in the story time reading and barrier island activity. The bright and talented children took on the challenge with curiosity and thoughtfulness. This was followed by a trip to Patch Elementary where 4th and 5th graders were led by Courtney in a writing workshop. The focus was “write your own story” and students started from scratch with a topic of their choosing and by the end, there was enough content to write the first few sentences of their stories. The tour culminated with the final event - an all-school assembly where more than 450 students filled the auditorium for a story time reading followed by a lively Q&A session.
The success of this event could not have been possible without the dedication of the administration, teachers, staff, parent teacher associations, and volunteers of these schools under the care of the Department of Defense Education Activity’s Stuttgart Community Schools District.
About the Author: Courtney Kelly
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Courtney is a commercial and heavy civil construction project manager and licensed professional engineer with over 10 years of experience. Courtney holds two B.S. degrees, Civil Engineering and Math, and one M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Southern Methodist University. She also holds an MBA from Lamar University. Courtney was recently named an Engineering-News Record Texas and Louisiana 2023 Top Young Professional.
Imprint: Courtney Kelly Books
On sale: May 17, 2022
Price: $19.99
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0-578-31519-5
Media Contact:
Courtney Kelly
www.instagram.com/courtneykellybooks/
www.linkedin.com/company/courtneykellybooks
SOURCE: Courtney Kelly Books
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 Years Post-Hurricane Katrina, Civil Engineer Promotes Diversity in STEM Through Children’s Book
Celeste Saves the City by Courtney Kelly, P.E. is now available.
DALLAS, TEXAS, June 14, 2022 (PRNewswire) – The resilience of a child to make a difference in this world through engineering is at the heart of Celeste Saves the City. Stemming from the author’s real-life experience, this book introduces readers to civil engineering while sharing a story of how bad events can inspire positive, lifechanging outcomes.
Beginning with an ode to New Orleans, Celeste Saves the City showcases the rich culture of “the Big Easy” through the eyes of a child. Celeste’s life is abruptly upended by the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and she declares that she will become a civil engineer who “saves the city.” Through the protection and restoration of coastal wetlands, the enhancement of flood mitigation is realized as Celeste grows up and achieves her mission.
"The book is delightful! I especially love that the solution to the flooding problem was restoration of the wetlands area. This book would be great to share with elementary school librarians, science teachers, and environmental groups. The illustrations are beautiful. Great choice in illustrator!" says Dr. Linda Cook, President, National Science Education Leadership Association.
The representation of Celeste as a young Black girl provides a window for children of all backgrounds to envision the possibilities of what an engineer looks like. The importance of education is highlighted as Celeste transitions from a child to a young woman. Civil engineering is emphasized both through the text and in images of iconic engineering marvels. Leadership and teamwork are also key elements that round out the depiction of Celeste’s career.
About the Author: Courtney Kelly
Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Courtney has been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the construction and engineering industries for over 10 years. Currently based in Dallas, Texas, she is a commercial and heavy civil construction project management professional and a licensed professional engineer. Courtney holds a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering, B.S. degree in Math, and M.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Southern Methodist University and holds an MBA from Lamar University.
To learn more about Celeste Saves the City, visit www.courtneykellybooks.com.
Imprint: Courtney Kelly Books
On sale: May 17, 2022
Price: $19.99
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0-578-31519-5
Media Contact:
Courtney Kelly
214-302-9153
SOURCE: Courtney Kelly Books
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