The Black 'n' White

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."

More Than A Bus Driver: A Super Reader

Sandy Uhl – or Ms. Sandy, as the kids on her bus know her – is a familiar face who greets Pirates each morning and tells them to have a great evening at the end of the day. She also reads a ton of books, and it is very common to see her with a book while she waits for the kids to board Bus No. 22. In this episode, Ms. Sandy talks about author Mark Greaney's "Gray Man" series, which she just began, what she expects from a "good book," and what she does when she encounters a book she does not like. Her current book: The Chaos Agent by Mark Greaney.

Adam West – PHS Alum, Wrestling Coach, Aspiring Teacher

In this episode, Adam West, a 2024 graduate of Perkins High School, sat down to catch up on his life since graduation and talk about his plans to become a teacher. He also talks about his favorite book, Ayn Rand's Anthem, and the book he is now reading, Red Rising by Pierce Brown. Adam has a great story about his experiences with reading. As a youngster, he struggled with reading, though he eventually discovered the magic of reading and was placed in a gifted reading class in middle school. His favorite book: Anthem by Ayn Rand, and his current book: Red Rising by Pierce Brown