Carson Wins Young Authors

What a difference a teacher can make. One year ago, Carson was labeled a "problem student" due to his out-of-the-box thinking and unconformity.  I was convinced that we were in for some very hard school years ahead.  But then...a petite, soft spoken, lady changed everything. When I made an appointment with her to apologize for my son, she looked at me like I was crazy. She though Carson was fascinating. Mrs. Melander, Carson's 2nd grade teacher, saw potential where another teacher saw problems.  She quickly realized that Carson thrived in certain areas, and she fed those gifts. She tried to make math creative--just for him--allowing him to 'draw out' his problems on a white board rather than paper. She sought out science books--just for him--because she knew that he found science exciting. And then, she encouraged him to enter a writing contest. She told me that she "just knew that this was Carson's cup of tea, and that he could win it." 

She was right. Carson and his best buddy, Noah Ferney, co-wrote "The Adventures of MATHMAN" and won first place in Rimrock's Young Authors Conference. This was thrilling for these boys and equally thrilling for me (a lover of writing)! Their prize included a $15 gift certificate to the book fair, their book published in the Rimrock library, and a fancy luncheon with their principal and a famous author. 

Noah & Carson

Noah & Carson's biggest fans!

A few pages of Carson's book:

All of the young author and illustrator winners were asked to dress in their 'Sunday Best' for the winners luncheon. When they walked in, classical music was playing and fancy goblets and dishes were set out... Boy, they felt SPECIAL!

 The 2nd grade runner ups just happened to be all of Carson's best friends! Now tell me, does it get better than that? Oh but it does... To top it off, they served CHOCOATE MILK--Carson's ultimate favorite drink! (He, being the extremely picky eater he is, was terrified about being served unknown food (we packed back up food just in case), but Carson miraculously left the luncheon "STUFFED!" Jaw dropping.

Dear Carson,

I am so proud of you. 

You are so smart and so special. 

P.S. Keep writing.

Love, Mom