More Than A Bus Driver: A Super Reader

The Keeper Of The Books

Meet Kathy Thompson, the media specialist at Furry Elementary and Meadowlawn Intermediate schools. Mrs. Thompson has been at Perkins for 31 years. At the end of the 2025-2026 school, she retired. First, we have to say thank you to Mrs. Thompson for her service to the school district and the children here. Second, oh my, it's great that she agreed to be a guest on The Black 'n' White. She is someone who has worked hard to help our youngest Pirates discover the joy in reading. She shares her thoughts on reading and her favorite author, Taylor Jennings Reid, who wrote The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and other books.Enjoy!

Avid Reader, Graduating Pirate

Perkins High School senior Parker Camp recently took time to sit for an interview with The Black 'n' White. She talks about her future after high school and her intention to attend Florida Gulf Coast University (hurricanes and all) and her part-time job a local bookstore (where she gets a great employee discount).She also discusses her favorite book, A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. "It's a beautiful representation of mental health, the struggle, and overcoming trauma." She has a second book she recommends, Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic. She discovered the book in middle school, and describes it as "the most insane and bizarre book I have ever read."Enjoy!

Episode 6: Author and undersea photographer Michael Patrick O'Neill

Children’s book author and undersea photographer Michael Patrick O’Neill joins The Black ‘n’ White for Episode 6. Mr. O’Neill talks about how he transitioned from being a data analyst in the corporate world to finding his true calling, capturing images of sea creatures, and sharing them with young readers. Mr. O’Neill was a guest author at Furry Elementary and Meadowlawn Intermediate schools on May 14 and 15. He spoke with each class and shared not only his passion for the ocean, but also his love of reading. You might be surprised by Mr. O’Neill’s favorite book – it’s not exactly related to the environment or the ocean, but rather a classic.

Episode 5: PHS Senior Susan Nichols

Perkins High School senior Susan Nichols talks about her love of reading and her favorite book series (Maze Runner by James Dashner). She also talked about how she came to Perkins Schools at the start of the 2024-2025 school year, and reconnected with some old friends.

Episode 4: Reading With Friends

Dozens of Perkins Pirates, in Kindergarten to 5th Grade, braved chilly temperatures to come out to the first Read Under the Lights event at Firelands Health Stadium at Perkins High School. Students, along with their parents and siblings, brought books and blankets to chill and read. Many of them took a break from their books to share what they are reading. Many of them also shared why they like to read, from "it's healthy for your brain" to "it helps me calm down."