Parkwood second grader to compete in national braille competition in California

Axel Breeden, a second grader from Parkwood Elementary, has qualified for the national Braille Challenge finals to be held in Los Angeles this month. He is one of ten finalists in his age group from the Washington regional competition, demonstrating exceptional skills in braille reading and writing. The Braille Challenge, launched by the Braille Institute in 2000, aims to motivate students who are blind or visually impaired to enhance their braille literacy, which is crucial for their academic and employment success. Participants will face challenges in spelling, reading comprehension, and proofreading, utilizing the Perkins braille writer for their responses. This year's finals will take place at the University of Southern California, where students from across the globe will compete.

Winners will be announced during a livestreamed awards ceremony on June 28 at 6:30 PM PT. Axel's journey underscores the significance of braille literacy in educational settings and its impact on future opportunities. Shoreline Schools supports approximately two dozen students with visual impairments, emphasizing the need for tailored educational resources and support.