On Friday, December 13, 2024, the Middle Tyger River Community Center in Lyman, SC, hosted a heartwarming event celebrating the unveiling of Early Bird Builds a Nest. The children’s book, illustrated by USC Upstate alumnus Will Mathis ’23, Imani Roberson, a USC Upstate Spanish translation student, translated the Spanish version of the book while the book is authored by Jason Spencer, takes readers on a journey with Early Bird, the Spartanburg Academic Movement’s (SAM) mascot, as she searches for the perfect spot to build her nest. Along the way, readers explore iconic Spartanburg landmarks like the “I Love You” sculpture, the clock tower, and Daniel Morgan Square.
During the event, the 4K students enjoyed an engaging reading of the book, with interactive moments every time ‘Early Bird’ was mentioned.
Will Mathis, a freelancer for Studio Upstate—USC Upstate’s student design firm—and Graphic Designer for Arrowhead Group, shared his enthusiasm for the project. “Bridget Kirkland reached out to me about illustrating the book, and it was such an exciting opportunity. As someone who freelances for The Studio at USC Upstate—my alma mater—and has a deep connection to Spartanburg, this project felt incredibly personal. It was fun to create the illustrations and tie them to familiar landmarks downtown, bringing the story to life in a way that celebrates the city. What makes this book so special is how each page connects readers to Spartanburg, providing a sense of pride and belonging.”
Bridget Kirkland, Associate Professor of Graphic Design at USC Upstate, praised Mathis’ work and the impact of the project. “It’s amazing to see Will’s connection to USC Upstate shine through in this project. Early Bird started as a flat, one-dimensional mascot, but Will truly brought it to life. What’s even more special is that it’s local – kids reading this book can see ‘USC Upstate Studio’ on the cover and realize this is something they could pursue right here at USC Upstate. This book is more than a story; it’s a catalyst, inspiring Spartanburg’s children to dream big and see that they can achieve great things close to home.”
SAM’s Chief Strategy Officer, Keisha Gray, highlighted the book’s role in advancing literacy and fostering a sense of community, stating “As part of Spartanburg Academic Movement, our goal is to promote the branding of Hello Family and ensure that families understand the broad range of support available to them—from the moment they plan for a child to when their child enters kindergarten. Literacy and language development are key elements in preparing children for success, and what better way to support that than by creating a children’s book? Few communities can come together so seamlessly to bring such a meaningful vision to life, and we are incredibly proud of that.”
Russel Booker, Chief Executive Officer of SAM, emphasized the power of mascots like Early Bird in uniting and inspiring communities. “Mascots create a memorable identity that inspires enthusiasm and a sense of belonging. They serve as playful ambassadors, humanizing a brand and creating emotional connections tied to positive experiences and memories. By introducing Early Bird, we hope to foster loyalty and ensure that families in Spartanburg know that when a child is born here, they are surrounded by immense support. Together, we will continue to promote the love of reading for our youngest learners, creating a foundation for their future and a lasting connection to our community.” he said.
“Writing my first children’s book was an incredible experience, especially bringing Early Bird to life in a way that connects so deeply with our community. Every part of the process felt like building a nest of creativity. I’m excited about the possibilities this story holds for future adventures and the impact it can have on families in Spartanburg County.” said Jason Spencer, author of Early Bird Builds a Nest.
Dr. Randall Gary, Superintendent of Spartanburg District 5, spoke about the importance of reading, reminding the audience not to forget why they were there. “Promoting the importance of reading to young students and helping them develop these skills early on is crucial. Reading is so important because, as we often hear, when kids are young, they learn to read, but as they grow older, they read to learn. That progression is essential, and it starts with all of us—parents, teachers, and the entire community. Together, we’re ensuring our kids start the race prepared and supported.”
This event not only celebrated the unveiling of a new children’s book but also demonstrated USC Upstate’s dedication to nurturing education and community engagement in Spartanburg. With the collaborative efforts of alumni, faculty, and local organizations, Early Bird Builds a Nest is poised to leave a lasting legacy, inspiring a love of reading and a deep connection to Spartanburg for generations to come.
The book will be available for purchase at Hub City Bookshop, with SAM striving to gift it as the first book to every newborn in Spartanburg County.