"Hollywood – Reach for the Stars" is Shoemaker Elementary School's 2014-2015 inspirational motto.

Sandwiched between Macungie Elementary School and Eyer Middle School, Shoemaker serves approximately 720 East Penn School District students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Each year the school's administration, faculty, staff and students focus on one of six cyclical themes. Classroom teachers incorporate the concept into their daily lesson plans, and the school's monthly assemblies are tailored to support it.

The emphasis this year is on encouraging the children to stretch their abilities.

Consequently, a visit by Dan Lauria, playwrite, television star (best known for his role as the dad on "The Wonder Years"), Broadway actor and children's author was a perfect fit. The presentation resulted from a well- orchestrated collaboration of school and entertainment personnel spearheaded by Shoemaker art teacher Jeff Shrek and Kutztown University marketing professor Doc Ogden.

Lauria, author of "The Blue Hair Club: and Other Stories," began by asking who in the audience writes stories. A fan of American history and Native American lore, he then captivated his audience with an animated rendition of the Hopi Indian tale which explains how the sun was placed in the sky. The story provided entertainment for the students and a springboard for Lauria to deliver his message: "There's a story in everything;" don't be afraid to imagine and to create.

Lauria said he developed a children's book because he was tired of watching his godson play on the computer. Inspired by his godfather's example, the boy has begun writing a story about a moose who paints a self-portrait. Lauria also advised the children to "read something aloud every day." He explained reading aloud makes learning easier and develops speaking skills.

The presentation was followed by a question and answer session. The students' queries ranged from "At what age did you know you wanted to become an actor?" to "Are you a billionaire?" Lauria gave each questioner his full attention and responded with candor and humor. Before departing he took time to autograph copies of his book.

Warm, generous, and personable, Lauria, who "[has] never been nervous, and … always had fun," is a living example of the satisfaction resulting from reaching for a star.