My Little Scholars

The Ann Brannon Award is a scholastic award given in FWISD to high scholars. In most schools the teachers choose the recipients. Since Carlson is student-centered, we approach it a little differently. The third-fifth grade students are able to nominate themselves for highest achievement or most improved in any discipline. They must write a letter to the committee stating why they are the most qualified for the highest achievement or most improved. The selection committee narrows it down to a small group of finalists. Then the chosen participants must create a 10 minute presentation with a little guidance from a mentor. It's a time consuming and stressful project to willingly take on, in addition to regular school work. 

Both my third grader and my fifth grader decided they were willing to go for it and they both applied for highest achievement in reading. It was a little stressful for Mommy because I wanted each of them to do well, but I was worried one would make it through the first round for an interview and the other wouldn't. To my pleasant surprise, they both got an interview!

The day of the announcements is very stressful for the kiddos. You can tell here that they are both on edge.

First the committee introduces each of the candidates and tells the student body what each student applied for and a few of their skills and accomplishments.

 This is what Daisy's mentor Cindy (one of our favorites) said about her.

That big smile was when his mentor Donnette was explaining that when Zekers only missed one problem on his STAAR reading bench test that he really should try harder on the actual test, which is exactly what he did by earning a perfect score.

Our Zekers was chosen as an Ann Brannon Award recipient! Someone told me their favorite part of the ceremony was Daisy's big smile when her brother was announced.

I can't tell you how proud I am of both Zekers and Daisy. It's a big risk to willingly put yourself out there to be judged. The opportunity for rejection is there when you compete. They both took that challenge by the horns.

I always tell them that God has blessed them with a smart brain, but they have to choose to use it wisely. That's exactly what they did! I couldn't be more proud!

After the Ann Brannon awards, it was time for the annual 5th grade vs. teachers volleyball game. The teachers won again.