Braille Challenge International Finals 2023

"Braille Boldly so that your words may stick ... When your words stick to the right people, success sticks to you!
                   ~ Tiffany Zhao, Alumni, Braille Challenge 2003-2023

Braille Challenge Fun Facts:

• Celebrating the brightest braille readers and writers from across the globe in an International Braille Literacy competition:
  • ​Top 10 contestants in five age categories = 50 finalists
  • Finalists represent 22 American states and 2 Canadian provinces
    • 817 braille readers participated in regionals held across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom
• Originated in 2000 as a local event at the Braille Institute Orange County Center, Anaheim, CA
• 2001 first National Braille Challenge, San Diego, CA
• Now 23 years strong

ALL participants are winners just for getting here! CONGRATULATIONS to First, Second, and Third Place winners:
                 ​Apprentice

1. Luise Schmdt-Eisenlohr
2. Adalyn Kumm
3.  Tianna Tollefson

                Freshman

1.  Anne Ye
2.  Hao Wen Deng
3.  Matthew Heesen

               Sophomore

1.  Leo De Santis
2.  Salome Cummins
3. Janna Cheung

              Junior Varsity

1. Christopher Morgan
2. EmmaGrace Olech
3. Braeden Robinson

          Varsity

1. Brooke Petro
2. Madeline Mau
3. Nathan Deeds

Excellence in Spelling Award: Anne Ye of New York
Excellence in Reading Comprehension Award: Anne Ye of New York
Harley Fetterman Award for Excellence in Charts and Graphs: Leo De Santis
Teacher of the Year for Excellence in Braille Instruction: April Makley, Michigan