Jaxon recently participated in the national ‘Make it a Red Letter Day’ competition for Dyslexia awareness by writing a ‘Red Letter’ to all teachers at his primary school, Port Augusta West Primary School.

Jaxon’s letter captured the heart of Judge, award-winning Author and fellow dyslexic Jackie French, who chose Jaxon’s Red Letter as the winner for his age category (5-8 years)

Upon being told he had won first place in this national competition, Jaxon’s Mum Karina Harlow said Jaxon's eyes grew wide with surprise, stating ‘I'm so happy I could cry’ and Karina said she was ‘pretty chuffed’ to hear the news.

“Writing is hard anyway and even to put together what he did was pretty terrific, and to win it was even better,” Karina said.

“The Red Letter Competition has brought Dyslexia out to the open a bit more, a lot of people don’t talk about it, and don’t get the help because the kids tend to hide.

“Jaxon was a bit surprised and is now enjoying the attention but initially he was like, ‘Oh no people are going to look at me for something I’m not good at’.

Jaxon’s letter is truly inspiring to read as he talks about the troubles facing dyslexic students, the need for better help in schools and how much he owes to his beloved mother Karina.

Karina was pleased to see Jaxon win as she puts in at least 15-20 minutes each weekday and an hour on weekends to help improve his reading.

Jaxon’s prize includes a Reading Doctor Package which is a Specialist Literacy Improvement Software Program endorsed by Speld SA, along with other prizes taking it to a total prize value of $700.

The Make it a Red Letter Day Competition and Campaign was organised by Australia’s National Dyslexia Support Groups to help raise awareness and influence change.

Children were encouraged to write a Red Letter about dyslexia to a Politician, School Principal, Teacher, the Media or a person they felt may have an influence in creating change for dyslexia.

These letters were to be heartfelt and tell the receiver about the struggles that are faced every day by dyslexic learners, asking for change at a school, state and national level.

Jackie French who kindly donated her time to judge the competition said every single letter was ‘magnificent’.

“How could anyone believe these young people are not deeply intelligent, and have just not been given the resources they need to soar?” Jackie said.

“And to all the award winners: you are the most magnificent of the magnificent.

“May your extraordinary, wonderful brains keep creating, and keep trying to explain to the ignorant or those too closed minded to want to hear, the range, desperation and deep possibilities of dyslexia.”

Jaxon’s Red Letter can be read online here.