Woodvale Elementary is celebrating one of its youngest students in a big way. First grader Emerson has earned a spot among the top 50 visually impaired students in the world who are heading to Los Angeles this summer to compete in the 2025 National Braille Challenge, hosted by the Braille Institute.

Emerson’s journey began in March, when he took home first place in the statewide Braille Challenge. Now, he will represent Louisiana on the national stage as one of only 10 first graders selected to compete in his category.

The Braille Challenge is a unique academic competition designed to motivate students who are blind or visually impaired to strengthen and showcase their braille literacy skills—skills that are essential for success in school and future employment. Students are tested in areas such as:

• Reading Comprehension
• Spelling
• Speed and Accuracy
• Proofreading
• Charts and Graphs

Preliminary competitions are held from January through mid-March across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. Only the top-scoring 50 students across all regions are invited to the final round in Los Angeles—making Emerson’s achievement especially impressive for someone just beginning his academic journey.

Emerson’s excitement is contagious. “I want to be famous,” he said with a smile, looking forward to the national spotlight and the opportunity to meet other braille readers from around the world.

Emerson’s story is a shining example of perseverance, curiosity, and what’s possible when students are given the opportunity and encouragement they need to succeed. We couldn’t be prouder to have him represent Woodvale on this remarkable journey.