Former Teacher Returns to Debut Her Book
Celebrating Beloved English Teacher Shannon Wiley
Nearly 200 former faculty, alumni, and members of The John Cooper School community gathered on April 15, 2026, at the Glenn Performing Arts Center for an unforgettable evening honoring beloved former English teacher and debut author Shannon Terry Wiley. Traveling from across the country, attendees filled the space with warmth, reflection, and deep appreciation for a teacher whose impact continues to resonate far beyond the classroom.
The event marked the upcoming release of Wiley’s debut novel, Yellow September: A Louisiana Love Story of Pestilence and Perseverance (Hardcover, May 12, 2026). In this sweeping historical narrative, Wiley brings to life the devastating yellow fever outbreak that struck Shreveport, Louisiana, in September 1873, claiming more than a thousand lives. Blending richly imagined characters with real historical events, the novel explores themes of love, loss, duty, and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Told through multiple perspectives, the story follows a cast of compelling characters, including two brothers working to clear a massive Red River logjam, a young woman navigating grief and life-altering choices, and a range of townspeople confronting the uncertainty of a fever-stricken community. With epistolary elements woven throughout, Wiley’s work offers a moving tribute to the enduring strength of family and human connection.
The evening featured a thoughtful author conversation moderated by Cooper alumna Catherine Devore, Class of 1996, whose dialogue with Wiley offered insight into the inspiration, research, and emotional depth behind the novel. Together, they reflected on storytelling, history, and the lasting influence of teachers who shape both intellect and character.
More than a book event, the gathering was a powerful reminder of the lifelong bonds formed within the Cooper community. From cross-country flights to long drives, attendees returned not only to celebrate a literary milestone but also to honor a teacher whose legacy lives on in the lives she forever impacted.
Yellow September is available now for pre-order. Link to order: https://www.amazon.com/Yellow-September-Louisiana-Pestilence-Perseverance/dp/B0FM7HQ3CB
Watch the event livestream:
Watch the event livestream:
https://youtu.be/9lPmlHqB-S4
Listen to the Head of School Podcast with Shannon Wiley:
https://youtu.be/FeQpZXbK8aA
See photos of the event:
4/14/26 Shannon Wiley Book Event - AC Photography
Listen to the Head of School Podcast with Shannon Wiley:
https://youtu.be/FeQpZXbK8aA
See photos of the event:
4/14/26 Shannon Wiley Book Event - AC Photography
The John Cooper School
From Curiosity to Wisdom
The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. Our mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff, and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices, or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, or age.
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