By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
Brodie Bunce is a budding bard.
Brodie, a fifth-grade student at Schilling Elementary School, was notified earlier this month that his poem, Numbers, had been selected for inclusion in the upcoming Young American Poetry Digest. The poem is about where and when numbers are seen.
"The selection panel members are educators who select only the best poems submitted, poems that are especially well written for the age level of the student," the notification letter included.
"I was so happy his poem was selected. At the start of our poetry unit, Brodie came to me and asked if he could share a poem he had recently written. I could tell he had worked hard on his poem and had even practiced presenting it so I was proud that all of his hard work had paid off and that he had gotten the recognition he deserved," Brodie's teacher, Nora Rindt, told Salina Post.
Rindt said she had heard about the poetry contest, and when Brodie asked to share his poem, she thought she would give him a chance to share it with a wider audience.
"Not only was this a way for Brodie to take pride in his work, but it also gave him the opportunity to show off his talent. I think it’s important for kids to get recognition for their hard work and talent," Rindt said. "I would just like people to know that Brodie is such a hardworking student. He always wants to do his best and isn’t afraid to put in some extra effort or practice to achieve what he wants. He is truly deserving of this awesome accomplishment."
Brodie's father, Micah, also had praise for Rindt and Schilling Elementary School.
"He has one of the most amazing teachers. She noticed one day he was writing some poetry and asked if he would like to publish a poem someday and he told her yes," Micah Bunce told Salina Post.
"This is a big thing on two levels," he continued. "One that an educator recognized a student's love for writing and provided an opportunity to try something new, and second his success and joy when he received his letter of acceptance in the mail. Schilling Elementary School continues to be a superior school of caring staff and leadership.