Joe Baca Middle School Students Win National Book Challenge

COLTON >> Two Joe Baca Middle School students have been named winners in a national student book contest. Ariadne Anglin and Melanie Palomino were among only 21 students nationally named winners in the Studentreasures National Book Challenge. For this competition, Ariadne and Melanie worked with their teacher, Michael Bayless, to write, illustrate and create hard-bound picture books. Melanie’s book is titled “Hide & Seek.” Ariadne’s is called “Julian’s Horn.” Because two of his students won the contest, Mr. Bayless will receive two $100 classroom grants. In addition, Ariadne and Melanie each will receive $25 gift cards, copies of their books, ribbons and certificates. Mr. Bayless said he is very proud of his students’ achievements. “As an educator, I am fortunate to witness creativity and talent in my classroom,” he said. “I would like to acknowledge the dedication and accomplishment of my students – Melanie Palomino and Ariadne Anglin – for being selected as winners of Studenttreasures National Book Challenge. Both girls are now published authors and have created lasting memories. They are inventive students with exceptional ability who produce good academic results. Both Melanie and Ariadne are determined young ladies who want to be the best they can be. I am proud to be their teacher. This is one reason why I love my profession and all my students.” “ I am honored to have such a dedicated teacher, Mr. Mike Bayless, who’s willing to push his students to the limits," said Mike Williford, Joe Baca Middle School principal. "These two students – Ariadne and Melanie – are excellent examples of what our kids can do at Joe Baca Middle School. I am very proud of them.”