• Comics, Cocoa, & Candy Canes: CAN’s Annual Holiday Meetup Party

Award-winning author, illustrator, and comic artist Grant Snider is coming to Joplin, and you’re invited!

Grant is an adult and children’s author and is known for Incidental Comics and several of his books including Poetry Comics, Thinking about Thinking, and many more.  He is a USA Today Bestseller and 2025 NEA Read Across America Selection just to name a few of his accolades.

Celebrate the season with Compass Academy Network and join us for an inspiring and interactive afternoon as Grant shares his creative process, leads a hands-on comic art workshop, answers questions, and signs copies of his latest book. Each middle school student guest will receive a free copy to take home!

This holiday celebration is for current CAN students, 5th–8th graders, and their families or guests.  If you are a current CAN student, BRING A FRIEND and WIN!  Learn more about what CAN is all about.  The event will feature festive treats, hot cocoa bar, activities, Gingerbread House making contest, photo booth, and more!  Students that attend will have a chance to win a DRONE and other prizes!  Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind holiday event with the CAN community!

RSVP by November 25

Space is limited and reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Preference given to CAN students with their families and friends. Each 5th–8th grade student may bring up to three guests (including at least one parent or adult).

If you are not a current CAN student, please complete the RSVP form and we will notify you by December 1, 2025, if space is available. Please RSVP for the student attending and include up to three guests (four people total per reservation).

Early RSVPs received by the deadline will be entered into a special prize drawing. We look forward to celebrating with you.