A TV meteorologist who was born in Kingfisher will be the featured reader at the final Summer Lantern of 2021.

Damien Lodes, a meteorologist at KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, will read to students and their families on the front lawn of Gilmour Elementary school at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 27.

“The goal of this program is to improve students’ reading skills through a continuous flow of instruction from regular school to summer school back to regular school in the fall by keeping Gilmour’s lights on all summer,” said Lesley Redwine, Gilmour’s library media specialist, at the beginning of the summer.

The theme this summer has been “Every One is the Hero of Their Own Story.”

Although he grew up in Oklahoma City, Lodes’ roots started in Kingfisher.

After moving, he graduated from Southeast High School and served in the United States Marine Corps for five years.

He then graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in meteorology with minors in broadcast journalism and political science.

He worked in the Midland, Texas, and Lawrence, Kan., markets before joining KFOR in 2016.

Families are encouraged to bring their blankets and/ or lawn chairs to listen to Lodes read.

Lodes will also be in one of the “4Warn Storm Team’s” weather chaser vehicles.

“Everyone will be able to see it and visit with and ask Damien questions,” Redwine said.

There will also be a limited number of back-to-school backpacks given away Tuesday night as well as other prizes and popsicles.

“Parents and children of all ages are welcome,” Redwine said.

“We hope everyone can come out for a night of fun-filled reading.”