Compass Academy Network event features award-winning comic

Joplin, MO – Compass Academy Network invites local middle school students and families to Comics, Cocoa, and Candy Canes, CAN’s Annual Holiday Meetup Party featuring award-winning author, illustrator, and comic artist Grant Snider.

Snider will share insights into his creative process, guide students through a hands-on comic workshop, answer questions, and sign copies of his books. Each middle school student guest will receive a free copy to take home!

The celebration will include festive treats, a hot cocoa bar, a gingerbread house making contest, holiday activities, a photo booth, prize giveaways, and additional surprises.

The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 in Plaster Hall in Cornell Auditorium at Missouri Southern State University.

This summer, more than 280 students participated in CAN’s free, four-week, full-day summer enrichment programs across rural sites in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

This event is an opportunity for the entire Compass Academy Network community and local middle school students to come together, celebrate the season, and connect with one another. It brings students, families, educators, and partners into a shared space to strengthen relationships and experience the mission of CAN in action.

The event supports the CAN goal of expanding opportunities for rural middle school students through creative enrichment connected to the Creative Writing and Artistic Exploration curriculum.

This event is free to attend and transportation for students is provided.