Spring '19

ASHINGTON, DC, December 18, 2018 — The DeVan Group, LLC announces the book release of I DREAM OF… written by the students and staff of the Red River Valley Junior Academy in Winnipeg, MB, Canada. The book captures the thoughts and expressions of hope written mainly by students as part of The DeVan Group Creative Book Writing Projects for Students.

What do you dream of?

That was the question put to nearly 200 students and staff at Red River Valley Junior Academy. Their responses have now been collected in a 132-page, full-color book titled I Dream Of: Expressions of Hope.

"The idea was to engage students in writing," principal Ian Mighty said of the project. "We now have a finished product, a goal we achieved together."

On Feb. 2, the school launched the book, which was published by The DeVan Group as a fundraiser for the private faith-based K to Grade 10 school.

"We had a major success with the launch," said Alvin Waite, a teacher at Red River Valley Junior Academy who spearheaded the project. "The turnout was good. Nine students were selected for awards of distinction for the pieces they contributed."

While all contributors started by answering the same question, the responses varied.

"There are kids who wrote about the profession that they want, kids who wrote about how they want to see the world in the future," Waite said. "Some wrote about world peace, some wrote about helping the hungry. Reading the students’ work and helping them put it together allows you get closer to the students."

Both Mighty and Waite were thrilled at the response the book garnered among students and staff. A second edition is being planned for next year.

"We’re thinking ‘Happiness 365,’ looking at what makes our students and staff happy," Mighty said. "Hopefully those who read the book will benefit and learn from those daily doses of happiness."

"For this project, proceeds will go towards technology in the school," Waite added. "Hopefully the next one will go towards the school building fund."

While most of the book’s run of 550 copies were preordered by friends and family of students and staff, copies are still available for purchase for $15 from the school office.

Maxine Black, President/CEO of The DeVan Group, was the special guest for the Book Release/Signing Event. She presented students and staff with their Registered Certificates of Authorship (RCA). In addition, several students will be presented with TDG Author of Distinction Award (selected by editors). Once the sales campaign is closed, the school will receive a 20% royalty check and global recognition.

Proceeds from books sold above the 550 copies will be ear-marked for RRVJA’s New School Development Fund as the school is desperately in need of a new facility.

For any school or organization to be considered for a TDG Publishing Grant to do a similar project or to learn more about The DeVan Group, LLC and its mission, visit www.thedevangroup.com and click request free consultation. To sponsor a copy of RRVJA’s book for $10.00 US, go to our online bookstore at www.thedevangroup.com/rrvja and click current projects.

Ian Mighty

Principal,
Red River Valley Junior Academy