Page 71 - The Exceptional Harley Fetterman

THE EXCEPTIONAL HARLEY FETTERMAN

Students with the top scores nationally in each age group advance
to the Final Round in June for two days of competition, held at the
Braille Institute in Los Angeles. First through third place winners in
each age group receive a savings bond, ranging in value from $500
for the youngest group, to $5,000 for the oldest. In addition to these
prizes, the latest in adaptive equipment is often awarded to the
winners.
Harley qualified for the finals of the National Braille Challenge in
2008. It was his second experience at the competition. He met up with
several friends that had also attended the 2006 event with Harley. He
finished in the top third of his group in all three parts of the
competition. There were thirteen kids in his group, so he placed
overall in fourth or fifth place. The same top three girls regularly win,
so Harley created a new battle cry of “GET THOSE GIRLS!”

Figure 21: 2008 Freshmen Finalists for National Braille Challenge

The Braille Challenge Teacher of the Year Award is also presented
annually from a field of exceptional braille educators nominated from
participating local regions. The award seeks to honor those who
employ innovative teaching strategies for Braille literacy, who involve

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