Our Youth: Briefly: Author tells tale of her rise from foster child to writer
Meowch Alert: Deborah Gregory, author, Catwalk and The Cheetah Girls visits Franklin Elementary School in La Quinta much to the delight of the 300 students who participated in a Catwalk Pose OFF.
The Desert Sun – Palm Springs, Calif.
Mariecar Mendoza
May 6, 2010
La Quinta Sun
Author Deborah Gregory made an appearance at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School on Monday and brought the cat out of more than 300 students.
Gregory, best known as the creator of the book series “The Cheetah Girls,” which was made into three Disney Channel movies, spoke to the girls and boys of the school, sharing with them her story of being raised in foster care and her rise to success, said Sandra Klein, librarian and director of after-school activities.
“She inspired our students to follow their dreams,” Klein said.
The event, which Klein said was “rockin,'” then featured a “Sing like a Cheetah Girl” competition.
Winners were Diamond Acosta, Kayla Castillo and Rebecca Henein.
Next was a “Strike A Pose” competition.
Winners were Rhandy Heredia, Riannon Pederson and Rianna Smith.
Best costume awards went to Celeste Cruz and Riley Smith.
— Mariecar Mendoza
