PLSAS Student Wins International Braille Challenge Championship

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Elizabeth Cibuzar, an incoming fifth-grade student in the SAGE program at WestWood, who earned 1st Place in the Freshman Division at the 2026 International Braille Challenge Finals held June 26–28 in Los Angeles, California.

The Braille Challenge is the only international academic competition of its kind for students who are blind or visually impaired. More than 2,000 students from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, the United Kingdom, and the United States competed in regional events, with only the top 50 students advancing to the international finals.

Elizabeth qualified for the international competition after winning the Minnesota Regional Braille Challenge in February. At the finals, she competed in reading comprehension, spelling, proofreading, speed and accuracy, and interpreting tactile charts and graphs before being crowned the International Braille Challenge Champion in her division.

This was Elizabeth's third appearance at the international finals, having previously qualified in 2023 and 2025. Her 2026 victory marks her first international championship.

Now 10 years old, Elizabeth enjoys reading, swimming, jumping on the trampoline, and spending time with friends. She will begin fifth grade this fall in the SAGE program at WestWood.

Congratulations, Elizabeth, on this incredible accomplishment! We are proud to celebrate your hard work, perseverance, and dedication to learning.