Greg Wegrich, president of the Kiwanis Club of Bellingham, shared this report about a llama bringing reading to life for local students:

The beloved "Llama Llama Red Pajama" children's book became real at Sunnyland Elementary School Sept. 17.

The book was chosen to kickoff Sunnyland's participation in the Kiwanis' SuperReader program. Students Ava Feingold and Nik Brand read the book to their classmates at an assembly. As the last sentence was read, the students were surprised as Jim Larson, owner of Flight, led the llama in from the back door of the gymnasium.

Big smiles, oohs and ahhs, and joyful looks ensued as the students learned about llamas, asked questions and were able to pet the soft wool of Flight.

The Kiwanis Club of Bellingham's SuperReader program encourages students to read at least 15 minutes every evening for 100 days. Participants are rewarded with certificates and prizes from Village Books and McDonald's restaurant. The intent of the program is to raise students' reading proficiency and to make reading a fun and regular activity.

Sunnyland Principal Mary Anne Stuckart said "The excitement from students this week suggests the SuperReader program is off to a great start this year."

YOUTH PATRIOTISM AWARDS

The Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary from Bellingham, Concrete, Custer, Lynden and Oak Harbor honored winners of the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest Sept. 9, according to a press release. The awards dinner was held at the Ferndale American Legion Hall.

Chairperson Margaret Wyngaert thanked the teachers and parents "who encouraged and supported our young citizens to participate in these programs."

All three winners were Ferndale High School art students of Terry Fitzgerald and each received $200 from District No. 15 and $100 for the sponsoring post and auxiliary.

Alexandra Leegwater, sponsored by Custer No. 9474, also won $200 for state second place.

Hannah Melland, sponsored by Bellingham No. 1585, also won $50 for state fifth place.

Amber Amende was sponsored by Oak Harbor No. 7392

The themes for 2012-2013 state essay programs are: "How Do I Show My Love for My Country?" (grades 3-5); "What Would I Tell America's Founding Fathers?" (grades 6-8); and "Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?" (grades 9-12).

All students (public, private, home school) are eligible to participate. The deadline is Nov. 1. For more information in Ferndale, Blaine and Custer, email mjwyngaert@yahoo.com. For Bellingham information, email cindymellema@comcast.net.

DESIGN STUDENT REPRESENTS NORTHWEST

The artwork of 2006 Squalicum High School graduate Derek Vander Griend was selected for a September exhibition at New York's School of Visual Arts' Westside Gallery, according to a press release.

The Bellingham resident's work for "Russia Rising: Votes for Freedom" was part of his studies at Seattle's Cornish College of the Arts.

Out and About runs Mondays in The Bellingham Herald.

Reach JULIE SHIRLEY at julie.shirley@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2261.