6-year-old Fil-Am in California takes home literature award
Aiden Rodriguez, his trophy and proud Principal Shelly Kurtz. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
MISSION VIEJO, California–Filipino American first grader Aiden Rodriguez brought home a third place trophy for literature for the Fourth District Reflections Program of the National PTA Council.
His short fiction entitled “The Knights Who Rescued the Princess” was one of over 10,000 entries submitted from more than 275 units at schools throughout Orange County for the annual arts program.
Based on the theme, “Let Your Imagination Fly,” six-year-old Rodriguez wrote the story about his best friend, Kendyl Mishler, who moved to Oregon at the end of kindergarten year.
“My story was about how Kendyl was not like other girls and could take care of herself and be happy no matter where she is,” said Rodriguez.
The PTA Reflections Program is an annual production of the Department of Education, which provides students of all ages and abilities the chance to express themselves and receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a pre-selected theme.
Students submit their original entries in the fields of literature, visual arts, film and video production, dance choreography, photography and musical composition and are judged by local experts alongside others in the same grade division.
Rodriguez with Kendyl Mishler, whose moving to another state inspired his winning story.
Rodriguez, the son of former Philippine broadcast journalist Cristina Peczon, attends Bathgate Elementary School in Mission Viejo, California. The K-5 school is home to rich diversity of cultures, which lends opportunities for students to become lifelong learners and productive citizens of the 21st century.
“We are very proud of Aiden representing Bathgate Elementary School as one of our young scholars.’ shared Bathgate Principal Shelly Kurtz, ‘We encourage all of our boys and girls to continuously give their best efforts every day and still have fun while learning. The PTA’s Reflections Program is one of the many ways that our school works with the PTA to make learning fun.”
Earlier this school year, the young Rodriguez was also recognized as being one of the school’s top ten primary level readers of the online program Raz-Kids that has been adopted by Bathgate Elementary School to help encourage independent reading in an avenue that is both educational and fun for the students.
Kurtz points out, “One of the most important thing a parent can do for their child is read aloud to your scholar every single day. If it’s not something you already do, start this most important time with your child now.”
Rodriguez logs in to the online Raz-kid program and reads at least one book a day since this was made available to him from Bathgate. His daily schedule also allots at least half an hour to reading aloud with his family as he winds down from a busy day.
“I couldn’t be a more proud parent,” beamed mother, Cristina Peczon (now Rodriguez), “It is such an honor to have another budding journalist in our family. Aiden loves books, especially mystery chapter books, and we are so lucky to have a great library and wonderful reading program available to our children at Bathgate!”
In recognition of his Honorable Mention award, the first grade Rodriguez received a “Character Counts” ticket from Principal Kurtz in recognition of his achievement.
Bathgate Elementary School promotes a character education program entitled, “Character Counts!” which nurtures character development, good citizenship and responsibility.” The program teaches children right from wrong and that their success and happiness depends on who they are, not what they have or look like.
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