Michelle Callanta, author of the children’s book “Let’s Cheer with Marco,” has always felt a deep connection to Marshall University.
Growing up just two blocks from campus in Huntington, Marshall always felt like home to Callanta.
“I like to say I grew up in the shadows of the Twin Towers,” she said.
With the university as a core part of her childhood, attending Marshall was never a question—it was where she belonged.
Michelle graduated in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications and has led a successful career in integrated marketing and media strategy.
She says her time as a student shaped her career, friendships and the community that has stayed with her for years.
“Meeting the friends that I’ve had forever and being part of that community are the things you remember,” she said. “Once you’re a son or daughter of Marshall, you’re always a son or daughter of Marshall.”
Fifteen years ago, she started writing this book as a way to give a piece of Marshall to her friends and family who were welcoming children into the world. They shared a strong Marshall connection, and she wanted to create a gift to celebrate that bond.
“You could find Marco plushies or little cheerleader outfits,” she said. “But there wasn’t a children’s book.”
After checking online and seeing no similar books, she committed to the project. Her goal was to create a story to excite young readers about Marshall traditions, especially those on game days.
During the pandemic, she decided to finish the book, and it was published in 2025.
Callanta explained that writing the manuscript didn’t take long, but turning the vision into a finished book required patience. Much of her time was spent working through the illustration process to ensure the artwork captured the story’s spirit.
Once complete, the book became more than a gift for friends and family—it’s Callanta’s way of giving back to the university that shaped her life.
She had the opportunity to read the book to children in Cabell County during a visit coinciding with Marco’s 61st birthday celebration and Read Across America Week.
“I love seeing the kids get excited about the book,” she said. “It’s about helping the next generation feel pride in a school that’s right in their backyard.”
Many of the children she met had never attended a Marshall game or met Marco, which reinforced her mission to write the book.
“I want alumni to share that pride with this next generation,” Callanta said.
While the book celebrates Marshall traditions, its message goes beyond game day excitement. For the author, the book is a way to inspire the future of the children who read it.
Marshall shaped her future, and she hopes the book inspires children to imagine that same path.
“My experience at Marshall changed the trajectory of my life,” she said. “If one child hears the story and starts thinking about college, or realizes it’s possible for them, then it’s worth it.”
She’s considering another book, with ideas including stories about Marshall basketball and other university traditions.
For now, though, she’s enjoying the experience of sharing her story and her Marshall pride with the next generation.
