Oklahoma School for the Blind students to compete in invitational

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- Two Oklahoma School for the Blind students have qualified for the National Braille Challenge Invitational in California.<br><br>Alex Myers and Laquana Sango, both 13, scored in

Wednesday, June 4th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- Two Oklahoma School for the Blind students have qualified for the National Braille Challenge Invitational in California.

Alex Myers and Laquana Sango, both 13, scored in the top 10 percent in the United States and Canada for their grade levels in the regional competitions held in May.

"I'm studying my Braille signs and abbreviations and practicing reading and trying to make sure my signs are correct," Myers, a Broken Arrow resident, said about his preparation for the event in Los Angeles.

Besides studying Braille, Sango, of Oklahoma City, is a published poet and a spelling bee champion. She credits her spelling accomplishments to her "good memory."

"She's very inquisitive. She's a little lady," said Sharleace Sango, Laquana's mother. "I'm really proud of her; she's not letting her handicap stop her from doing anything she wants to do."

The Braille Institute in California designed the competitions to motivate school-age Braille readers by recognizing their abilities.

Students will compete by grade level in diction, reading comprehension, transcribing and spelling.

"This is the first year it was offered to the school," said Carol Pixley, the piano teacher to both students.

"I'm so happy for them because of their accomplishments. They are both wonderful students."

Myers plans to study either computer technology or law when he goes to college.

Sango aspires to be either a pianist or an actress.