Mason Creek Middle School and Alexander High School recently celebrated two of their remarkable scholars for earning top scores in the Regional Braille Challenge, an academic competition that supports students with visual impairments. Marking its 25th anniversary, the Braille Challenge serves students in grades 1 through 12, encouraging braille literacy skills essential to educational and employment success.
Alexander High School’s Christopher Morgan, a Varsity competitor, has attended the regional Braille Challenge 12 times, securing first place in 10 of those events. Meanwhile, Caleigh Caston from Mason Creek Middle School earned first place in the Junior Division and second overall after competing seven times and winning five first-place titles. Both students secured first place in their respective categories, achieving the highest scores overall.
While the Braille Challenge is a way for students to showcase their braille and literacy skills, it also fosters a community where students build lifelong friendships with like-minded peers.
“This is not just a celebration of Braille literacy but literacy overall,” remarked Sadisha Clarke, Teacher of the Visually Impaired. “For these students, braille is the gateway to all life has to offer, such as a college education and jobs of their choice,” she added.
Monica Harris, a retired DCSS teacher of the Visually Impaired, introduced Clarke to the Braille Challenge—a torch she proudly carries forward.
The final stage of the Braille Literacy Competition brings together the top 50 competitors (10 in each category) from across the world to showcase their highest levels of Braille literacy in Los Angeles.
After two days of competition, celebration and fun, the finalists will attend a ceremonial dinner where the top three scorers of the five categories will be announced.
The braille program continues to grow each year with 54 Regional Braille Competitions and more than 1,200 students from across the United States and Canada.