Simsbury HS Welcomes Acclaimed Author/Avon HS Grad

From Left: Dr. Jason Chang University of Connecticut history professor, Simsbury High School English teacher Michelle Henry, and acclaimed author Paula Yoo, are joined by Grantland Rogers (SHS social studies), Richard Curtiss (SHS social studies supervisor), Janice Hechter (author), Teresa Obedzinski (Naugatuck High School social studies), Kim Kraner (Avon High School English), Katherine Keenan (SHS social studies), Jenny Heikkila Diaz (UConn AAAS Activist in Residence), Elizabeth George (UConn AAAS Project Manager), and Alice Li (SHS/UConn Alumna).

By Michelle Henry

Simsbury High School

SIMSBURY/AVON, CT — In a pre-holiday break event, more than 300 Simsbury High School students were captivated by acclaimed author, screenwriter, and musician Paula Yoo, who is an Avon High School graduate.

Yoo, 55, who is of Korean descent was born in Virginia, lived in Korea a bit, but grew up in Connecticut, graduating from AHS in the 1980s.

She currently lives in Los Angeles, Calif., which is the setting for her book documenting one of that city's worst moments in its history and how the residents pulled through afterward.

Yoo visited SHS on Nov. 18 and discussed her latest book, "Rising from the Ashes," which is about the 1992 Los Angeles race riots following the acquittal of city police officers who were captured on film beating up suspect Rodney King.

Named one of the "Best Books of 2024" by Horn Book, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal, Yoo’s work explores solidarity, social justice, and resilience during the 1992 Los Angeles Uprising, highlighting the intersection of Asian American and Black histories.

The event was organized by SHS English teacher Michelle Henry and supported by University of Connecticut History Professor Dr. Jason Chang.

Chang donated more than 200 copies of "Rising from the Ashes."

During her visit, Yoo shared her experiences as a screenwriter for "Supergirl" and "The West Wing," performing a piece from Supergirl on the violin with the Simsbury High Orchestra, conducted by Kathryn Fausel.

Students were moved and inspired by the visit.

SHS Senior Henry Escamilla praised Yoo’s balanced portrayal of the LA Uprising, while sophomore Nathan Tuthill and senior Trudy Bongne expressed appreciation for the focus on untold histories and themes of solidarity.

SHS Social Studies teacher Grantland Rogers called Yoo a “masterful storyteller,” noting how she “wove together the broader historical context with the deeply personal narratives of those directly affected, creating an experience that was both thought-provoking and profoundly moving.”

Yoo also led a professional development session for faculty, alongside Chang and UConn activist-in-residence Jenny Heikkila Diaz.

The session focused on integrating Asian American history into curricula.

Said Diaz: “Growing up as a biracial Korean American in Los Angeles, this event deeply affected me. Paula’s visit was the first time I engaged with these stories in a formal classroom setting—it was validating and moved me beyond words.”

The visit coincided with Connecticut’s 2025 legislation requiring Asian American Studies in schools.

Henry, who pioneered the UConn Early College Experience (ECE) Asian American Studies course, emphasized the course’s role in meeting this new requirement.

This dual enrollment course, currently offered at Simsbury, Avon, E.O. Smith (Storrs/Mansfield), and Westhill High (Stamford) schools in Connecticut, will expand to Naugatuck and Manchester in 2025-26.

“The event celebrated empathy, belonging, and global citizenship,” said Henry, thanking SHS Principal Maggie Seidel. “We’re grateful to Dr. Chang and Paula Yoo for their dedication to inclusive education.”

For more information on Paula Yoo, click on this link.