A creative imagination brings one DCS Montessori fifth grader to the Capitol
Schuler with her college savings check in front of the Colorado State Capitol on April 28.
Article by Kathy Dunker with photos courtesy of the Schuler family
Kaylee Schuler, a fifth grader at DCS Montessori, won first place honors and a $250 college savings account for doing what she loves to do – write.
“The boys of course view it as a punishment, but what do they know? They do not speak the language of pen and paper, color and paints. When they are out on the field getting squashed by flying footballs, I am in here, letting my imagination run free,” wrote Schuler in her winning essay about art class.
The Colorado League of Charter Schools and CollegeInvest sponsored an essay contest for charter school students in April. Charter schools from across the state submitted approximately 1,400 essays. Of the 500 entries submitted in the third to fifth grade category, Schuler’s essay about art class won first place.
Schuler’s mom, Cindy, remarked, “When I found out about the essay contest, I urged Kaylee to enter because one of her passions in life is writing. She wants to become a writer and illustrate her own work one day. It is wonderful that she is receiving recognition for something she loves to do!”
A Franktown resident, Schuler said, “People often look up to me when they are feeling doubts about their own artwork and I just tell them that everyone has their own style. I believe that anyone can draw if they really believe in themselves and keep working at it. What looks boring to one person may light up the whole room to the next!”
On April 28, the Colorado League of Charter Schools held a rally for all of the winners at the Colorado State Capital building, where each of the essays were read aloud. CollegeInvest presented Schuler with a $250 college savings account.
Schuler commented, “Ever since I’ve been drawing I have also been writing. I have a few stories that I hope to get published. It makes me very happy that I have finally had a chance to show everyone what I can do, and hope I can continue to do so!”
A very talented DCS Montessori fifth grader, Kaylee Schuler has aspirations to someday have her writing published and to illustrate her own work.
