New York Times Bestselling Author Katherine Center Announced as Keynote Speaker for The John Cooper School's 22nd Annual Signatures Author Series
The John Cooper School Fine Arts Council is pleased to announce that New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center will serve as the keynote speaker for the 22nd Annual Signatures Author Series luncheon. The beloved annual literary event will take place on Friday, December 4, 2026, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. Chaired by Drew and Melanie Creel, the event will welcome members of the Cooper community and guests from across The Woodlands for an inspiring celebration of literature, storytelling, and the arts.
Known for her heartwarming, witty, and uplifting novels, Katherine Center has become one of today's most celebrated contemporary authors. Her bestselling books include The Bodyguard, Hello Stranger, Things You Save in a Fire, and How to Walk Away. Several of her novels have been adapted for film, earning her a devoted following among readers who appreciate stories centered on resilience, connection, and hope. Center's engaging storytelling and relatable characters have made her a favorite among book clubs and literary audiences nationwide. Center was born, raised and currently lives in Houston, Texas.
The Signatures Author Series serves as a premier annual fundraiser supporting innovations in The John Cooper School's Visual and Performing Arts programs. In addition to the keynote presentation, the event traditionally features visiting authors, book signings, and an exclusive VIP reception for sponsors. Over the past two decades, Signatures has welcomed an impressive lineup of acclaimed authors and cultural figures, making it one of the most anticipated literary events in The Woodlands. Additional details regarding featured visiting authors and event programming will be announced in the coming months.
The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. The School’s 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.
