i3 Academy

What: I returned to I3 Academy to read How Mae Got Moxie to kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Many of these were the same children who had previously visited Rocky Heights Printing & Binding, giving them the unique opportunity to experience the full journey—from seeing how a book is printed to hearing the story come to life. To celebrate that experience, I gifted every student their own copy of the book to take home.

Where: i3 Academy- Woodlawn. Birmingham , Alabama 

When: March 3rd, 2026

Why: Stories have the greatest impact when children can continue the conversation long after the final page is turned. By placing a book in every student's hand, I hoped to inspire a lifelong love of reading while reinforcing the message that kindness, courage, and creativity belong to everyone. Watching these students connect the behind-the-scenes process of making a book with the joy of owning one reminded me that when we invest in children's imaginations, we empower them to dream bigger, believe in themselves, and discover the moxie within.