Centre City Elementary School welcomed guest speaker and local author Briana Hetherington to address assemblies of first and second graders.
Hetherington – also a life coach and yoga instructor – grew up in Mantua and encouraged the students to use affirmations, the topic of her book,
Affirmations Alphabet. She did so in conjunction with SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) instructor Joann Crouthamel, according to Principal Jennifer Cavalieri.
“With the help of Affirmation Alphabet,” said Hetherington on a flyer for the school event, “children can boost their self-esteem and confidence by learning to overcome negative thoughts of self-doubt with positive affirmations.”
Hetherington described positive affirmations as “superpowers,” played several games with the children, gave out prizes and posed for pictures.
It was a homecoming of sorts for Hetherington, who not only grew up in Mantua but attended its schools. As a child, she dreamed of one day becoming an author.
“This was her first time visiting our school as an author,” said Cavalieri. “However, she was a student in Mantua Township growing up and always aspired to be an author, so she accomplished her dreams.”
Hetherington also creates color books and offers merchandise through Amazon based on her message of positive affirmations. She will also man a table at Mantua’s Big Night Out in Chestnut Branch Park on Thursday, June 8. The event starts at 5 p.m.
