May 23, 2024
Two Ohio students will advance to the Braille Challenge Finals – a global competition that challenges youth who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) in braille reading and comprehension, speed and accuracy, spelling, proofreading and tactile charts and graphs.
16-year-old MaKenzie Love of Commercial Point qualified after winning the Varsity Division at the Ohio Regional Braille Challenge hosted by Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired in February. This marks the second consecutive year that Love has advanced to the Braille Challenge Finals and her third time overall. Love was born blind.
“I am honored and excited to advance to the Braille Challenge Finals,” said Love. “This event means a lot to me because I get to practice my braille literacy skills and inspire others to do the same. It is a lot of fun, and worth the preparation.”
10-year-old Anne Ye, of Lewis Center, qualified after winning the Sophomore Division at the Ohio Regional Braille Challenge. This is her first year advancing to the finals. Ye is blind in her right eye and has limited vision in her left eye after being diagnosed with cancer of the retina at the age of 3.
“I am so excited for this opportunity,” said Ye. “Advancing to the finals means that I get to not only compete with my peers, but also learn from them.”
More than 1,000 students competed in regional challenges across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Love and Ye are two of 50 finalists who will compete in the Braille Institute’s Braille Challenge Finals for youth in grades 1-12, taking place June 21-23 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Finalists are placed into five categories based on their age including: Apprentice (grades 1-2), Freshman (grades 3-4), Sophomore (grades 5-6), Junior Varsity (grades 7-9) and Varsity (grades 10-12).
“MaKenzie and Anne have displayed tremendous devotion in preparing for both the regional and global competitions,” said Chris Faust, Clovernook Center president & CEO. “We are so proud of them as them compete in these events that are designed to help build confidence in children and teenagers who are blind or visually impaired.”
Developed in 2000, the Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind for students who are blind or visually impaired in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. This year’s finalists represent 22 states, three Canadian provinces and two United Kingdom boroughs. To learn more visit: brailleinstitute.org/braille-challenge.
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