Last Friday, over 250 students and more than 30 teachers from Weber School District attended StoryCon 25, a two-day celebration of storytelling, creativity, and inspiration. Featuring renowned authors Neal Shusterman, Brandon Mull, Shannon Hale, Emily Inouye Huey, and many more, the conference left a lasting impact on both students and teachers.
Neal Shusterman’s opening keynote was especially moving—Alex Hobbs, Fremont’s Library Technology Specialist, shared:
“I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the house after his keynote.”
A Celebration of Teen Writers and Readers
One teacher perfectly captured the essence of the event:
“I’ve never been to a conference so focused on teens and their passion for writing and reading. The attending authors truly connected with the students—sharing stories and offering guidance, validation, advice, and general positive vibes. It was a full-on celebration of reading and writing, and I’m so grateful it’s happening here in Utah!”
This powerful atmosphere inspired many students to register for next year’s event on the spot.
Unforgettable Moments and Lasting Impressions
For many students, StoryCon was more than just a conference—it was a transformative experience.
One teacher shared:
“A parent contacted me Friday night to say that his son hadn’t stopped talking about his amazing day.”
Another teacher witnessed firsthand the impact of the event when a student proudly displayed “pages and pages of notes” taken during breakout sessions with the authors.
A 9th-grade student from T.H. Bell wrote in a heartfelt thank-you card:
“I can’t fully express my gratitude for taking me to this amazing learning experience.”
It’s moments like these that showcase the powerful influence of StoryCon on young minds, fueling their passion for storytelling and creativity.
Learning from Literary Masters
At a breakout session, Emily Inouye Huey’s presentation on historical fiction left a profound impact. She shared her family’s moving story of Japanese internment camps, connecting personal history with the importance of diverse narratives in literature.
One attendee noted:
“Her talk was so proactive and meaningful—such a great reminder of why historical fiction matters. She emphasized the importance of teens reading stories that resonate with their own experiences while also exposing them to new perspectives. Very inspiring!”
Igniting Creativity and Inspiring Future Authors
For South Ogden Junior High’s advanced creative writing class, StoryCon was the perfect opportunity to enhance their novel-writing projects. Through careful planning and personalized itineraries, students fully engaged with authors and keynote speakers.
With notebooks filled with quotes and ideas, students returned to school eager to apply new storytelling techniques.
The conference also inspired spontaneous creativity. One teacher fondly recalled:
“My favorite memory was the bus ride home where my students cracked open their notebooks and discussed their ideas for novels and short stories they planned to write.”
The excitement was palpable, with students already brainstorming future stories before even returning to campus.
Looking Forward to StoryCon 26
The impact of StoryCon 25 on Weber School District’s students and teachers was profound, igniting creativity, fostering a love for storytelling, and inspiring the next generation of writers.
With countless memories and renewed enthusiasm, Weber School District eagerly anticipates attending StoryCon 26 with even more aspiring authors.
📖 For more information about StoryCon and future events, visit StoryCon.
