Each spring, the Tucson Festival of Books celebrates creativity, imagination, and the written word. This year, students from BASIS Oro Valley Primary, BASIS Oro Valley and BASIS Tucson North earned recognition for their exceptional storytelling and visual artistry in two highly competitive events supported by the festival and its partners.
Students were honored at the festival’s awards ceremony on March 14, joining peers, teachers, and families to celebrate creativity and achievement in the arts.
Young Authors Contest Winners
The Altrusa Tucson Festival of Books Young Authors Contest received more than 130 poetry and story submissions this year. From that talented pool, two BASIS Charter Schools students were among just 26 total winners.
- Aaron L., Grade 7 – BASIS Oro Valley
Winning Story: “Dragon’s Call”
- Jenisha T., Grade 9 – BASIS Tucson North
Winning Story: “Crossroad”
The winning students’ works stood out for their creativity, originality, and voice, earning them distinction in one of Arizona’s largest youth literary competitions.
Young Artists Contest Honorees
Five BASIS Charter Schools students were recognized in the Young Artists Contest, sponsored by the Friends of Western Art. Their pieces were commended for their creativity, attention to detail, and expressive vision:
- Katherine K., Grade 6 – BASIS Oro Valley
- Jaden L., Grade 4 – BASIS Oro Valley
- Janice N., Grade 5 – BASIS Tucson North
- Ranjit N., Grade 12 – BASIS Oro Valley
- Aleena R., Grade 12 – BASIS Oro Valley
Celebrating Creativity and the Arts
At BASIS Charter Schools, creative expression is an integral part of a well-rounded education. Students explore storytelling, design, and visual arts as avenues for innovation and self-discovery alongside an accelerated academic curriculum. Creative opportunities like these complement BASIS Charter Schools’ broader commitment to nurturing well-rounded scholars.
From published poets to statewide art honorees, students continue to demonstrate that imagination and intellect thrive together.
To learn more about our students’ literary achievements, check out the article, BASIS Oro Valley Student Publishes Poetry Book.
