Books, regardless of the genre, can get anyone thinking about writing. This is the case for Van Gogh Elementary Kinder student, Kadhir Alarcon. On November 15, Kadhir was recognized by the City of Pharr and Pharr Memorial Library on his book titled, “I Adopted A Monster!” inspired by the Pharr Memorial Library, Spooky Monster Story Contest.
“When I grow up I want to be an author and one day serve my community,” Kadhir said as he addressed the City of Pharr Commissioners during the meeting.
On October 31, the Pharr Memorial Library sponsored a story contest, Spooky Monster Story Contest, where students were to write about the ‘monster that you think lives under your bed!’
Kadhir’s father, Kadhir O. Alarcon, attributes his love and passion for books to his older brother and his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Sedas.
“It was a one-day contest where he was able to put all of his imagination and writing skills he has learned in this short time in school,” Mr. Alarcon said.
Kadhir’s mother, Gabriela Alarcon, is also extremely proud of her son.
“I am super proud and happy of my son,” she said. “I also understand that as parents we have the responsibility to continue to make his dreams come true and provide the support and resources he needs. His success is a team effort between his teacher, us, and even his pet because we are all an inspiration for his stories.”
Five-year-old Kadhir has been going to the Pharr Memorial Library since he was two years-old. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Francisco K. Alarcon, Kadhir entered several book challenges and has been awarded Top Reader.
“The love that Kadhir has for books is a tribute to his older brother,” said Mr. Alarcon. “His brother has always been surrounded by books and Kadhir’s first toys were books. For us, this recognition is and was also inspired by his role model—his brother.”
Mr. Alarcon also added Kadhir’s love for books “exploded” when he first entered his kindergarten class with Mrs. Sedas.
“When Kadhir enrolled in kinder, his love for books grew to a whole new level,” Mr. Alarcon said. “The books his kindergarten teacher reads to them and her interaction with the students has transformed the way he sees books. Vanguard has served as an explosion for his books.”