Fall Into Reading with Salt River Schools!
"Careers in Cosplay" is the theme of our 2nd annual cosplay event hosted by the NYCP Literacy For All program! This year we'll highlight careers in the entertainment fields, such as voice actors, writers, designers, IT, and more.
This event is free and open to the public!
Dress up as your favorite book character for a chance to win our COSPLAY CONTEST! There will be lots of fun activities and giveaways for the whole family!
Plus, we'll have pizza and slushies for the first 200 people or while supplies last.
The event is Thurs, Sept. 14, from 4:30-7:30PM in the ALA Gymnasium. Park along Highland Avenue south of the football field. Questions? Call 480-362-2023 or email
[email protected].
Not sure what this event - or cosplay - is all about? Check out this story featuring one of last year's cosplay winners, Harmony Brown!
Cosplay event encourages literacy for all ages
Harmony Brown’s favorite book character is Pete the Cat, so when Salt River Schools hosted a special cosplay event last fall, the then second grader knew she wanted to go as the fun-loving feline.
Wearing a blue mask and cape, a red suit, and Pete’s special green shoes, Brown entered the event’s cosplay contest and won. Her mom, Tasha Antone, said the family is gearing up for this year’s cosplay event in September.
This fan-favorite event is the brainchild of Native Youth Community Projects Literacy for All, a grant-funded program of Salt River Schools. This year’s event is Thursday, Sept. 14, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. in the Accelerated Learning Academy gymnasium. The event is free and open to the public. Pizza and pickle slushies will be served while supplies last.
“Literacy is everywhere, from writing stories to creating amazing cosplay characters—literacy takes you on all kinds of journeys,” said Trinidad Yazzie, the Literacy for All project manager. “For example, literacy can take you into post-secondary education, working for your community, or creating your own business. It all starts with an idea and discovering what makes you happy.”
This year’s event theme is “Careers in Cosplay.” Education programs from near and far will showcase their programs in video production, information technology, computer design, and more. In addition, Salt River Schools and SRPMIC departments will share resources and fun giveaway items.
Of course, this year’s event will feature another cosplay contest for all ages. Like last year, there will be many great prizes for the best cosplays in various age groups.
The simple definition of cosplay is when someone dresses up as a character from their favorite book, movie, animated, or gaming character, Yazzie said. The best cosplays are ones in which the person creates their own costume using a variety of materials versus buying one pre-made, although this event doesn’t have any specific costume requirements, she said.
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Now in third grade at Salt River Elementary School and already a cosplay veteran, the stakes are a bit higher for Brown, her mom said, adding that cosplay allows kids to see themselves as the hero, which can be a powerful inspiration to children like Brown.
“Pete the Cat is Harmony's favorite book character and she wanted to dress up not only because he's cute, but because he's adventurous. Pete may get himself into some situations, but he never gives up and he always has a positive attitude,” Antone said.
“She picked Super Pete as her cosplay last year because she wanted to be a superhero. Her aunt and dad worked very hard on her costume…,” Antone said. “We had such a blast at last year’s event that she didn't want to take the costume off. We are looking forward to this year’s event.” |