WHITMIRE — Whitmire Community School has started a Sci-Fi Club after receiving $500 from internationally renowned photographer and author Kyle Cassidy.

Cassidy wanted to honor John Scalzi, a Hugo Award winning Science Fiction novelist, by donating $500 to a rural librarian to buy science fiction library books and to start a science fiction club.

Heather Hagen, daughter of WCS Media Specialist Donna Hagen, submitted her mother’s name for consideration and after contacting Hagen, Cassidy chose WCS to be the recipient.

Science Fiction books selected for the book club will be written primarily by female authors and authors of color, which is a group Scalzi likes to support and promote.

Eighteen students signed up for the WCS Sci-Fi club, which had its first meeting Nov. 16. During the meeting, Hagen presented biographical information on the club’s benefactors, Cassidy and Scalzi.

The club is divided into two groups. Middle school students will meet twice a month and high school students will meet once a month during lunch. They will discuss science fiction books and authors.

“Most schools don’t have science fiction clubs or authors who donate money specifically for science fiction, so we appreciate the authors donating money to Whitmire Community School,” said Club member Trevor Waltenbaugh.

Eighteen students signed up for the WCS Sci-Fi club, which had its first meeting Nov. 16. During the meeting, Hagen presented biographical information on the club’s benefactors.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_Science-Club-1.jpgEighteen students signed up for the WCS Sci-Fi club, which had its first meeting Nov. 16. During the meeting, Hagen presented biographical information on the club’s benefactors. Courtesy photos

Whitmire Community School has started a Sci-Fi Club after receiving $500 from internationally renowned photographer and author Kyle Cassidy.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_Science-Club-2.jpgWhitmire Community School has started a Sci-Fi Club after receiving $500 from internationally renowned photographer and author Kyle Cassidy. Courtesy photos

Staff Report