B. Reed Henderson senior hosts literacy event for local families

Katelyn Orkin's Girl Scouts Gold Award project brings interactive reading activities to over 200 children and caregivers.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:25pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing the hands of children engaged in various literacy activities like holding books, drawing, and playing with alphabet blocks, set against a blurred, dreamlike background suggesting a cozy, educational environment.A community literacy event sparks curiosity and enthusiasm for reading in young attendees.West Chester Today

B. Reed Henderson High School senior Katelyn Orkin organized a large-scale literacy event for local families as part of her Girl Scouts Gold Award project. The free event, called 'Hooked on Books,' took place at the Sykes Student Union at West Chester University and welcomed over 200 children and caregivers. Families explored 12 hands-on literacy stations with age-appropriate activities to encourage language development, including phonics games, arts and crafts, and guided story time sessions with local authors.

Why it matters

Katelyn's project reflects a commitment to making early literacy accessible and engaging for all families in the West Chester community. As a Girl Scouts Gold Award initiative, the event represents months of planning, leadership, and community service to spark a love of reading in young children.

The details

The 'Hooked on Books' event featured 12 interactive literacy stations designed for children ages 2 to 7. Activities included phonics-based games, arts and crafts, and guided story time sessions where local authors read their books aloud. Katelyn also authored her own children's book, 'Color Through West Chester,' which was distributed to families to take home. Every child left with books selected for their reading level, and a dedicated take-home area supported ongoing learning.

  • The free literacy event took place on March 22, 2026.
  • Katelyn Orkin has been planning the 'Hooked on Books' project for several months as part of her Girl Scouts Gold Award.

The players

Katelyn Orkin

A senior at B. Reed Henderson High School who organized the 'Hooked on Books' literacy event as her Girl Scouts Gold Award project.

West Chester University

The location where the 'Hooked on Books' event was held, at the Sykes Student Union.

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The takeaway

By creating an interactive and immersive literacy event, Katelyn Orkin has demonstrated how a single student can have a meaningful impact on their local community and inspire a love of reading in young children.