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Robertson County honors English learner students and announces first annual writing contest winners

Robertson County Schools Board · February 10, 2026

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Summary

School leaders recognized EL staff and presented trophies to winners of the district's first annual English Learner writing contest for grades 2–8, citing categories 'emerging' and 'progressing' and naming victors by school and grade.

Emily Hollingsworth, supervisor of programs, introduced EL coordinator Angie Pepper and EL academic coach Jason Chatham and said the district is proud to recognize students who participated in the first annual English Learner (EL) writing contest.

Jason Chatham (identified in the transcript as the district EL academic coach) explained the contest was open to EL students in grades 2–8 and included two categories per grade: 'emerging' (students still learning basics of English) and 'progressing' (students closer to grade-level proficiency). Students used a visual storyboard to write narratives tied to classroom topics. Judges from curriculum and instruction and federal programs used an English language exam rubric to score submissions.

Winners were read aloud by school and grade (examples: Adrian Elias Velasquez — Watauga Elementary, second-grade progressing; Amaya Ruiz Medina — Cheatham Park Elementary, third-grade emerging; Javier Diaz Abendano — Coopertown Middle School, sixth-grade emerging). Students were invited forward to receive trophies; families were invited for photos after the presentations.

Speakers thanked teachers, interpreters and families for supporting EL students. The recognition was purely ceremonial; no board action was taken on the contest itself.