Westmark and IDA-LA Make Strides for Dyslexia Awareness
Timed to coincide with Dyslexia Awareness Month, the second annual 1 in 5K Dyslexia Dash was an oceanfront success! The Westmark community showed up bright and early to walk the walk—or run the run!—in support of critical initiatives that empower individuals with language-based learning differences (LD).
More than fifty Westmark students, alums, faculty and staff, and family members participated in the all-ages event, sponsored by our partner-friends at the International Dyslexia Association–Los Angeles (IDA-LA). In her greeting, educational therapist Hannah Ross, IDA-LA President, pointed out, “It’s a myth that dyslexia is rare. In fact, one in five individuals has dyslexia or another language-based learning difference—that’s the reason for [the event’s] name: 1 in 5K.” She explained that all proceeds go towards the nonprofit’s many services and programs, including grants and scholarships for teachers and schools to provide structured literacy intervention for dyslexic learners.
Above left: Student ambassador Sofia ’33 with her mother, Tricia Xavier, Westmark Director of Admission and Enrollment and IDA-LA Board member. Above right: Westmark Head of School, Claudia Koochek (center) with IDA-LA Volunteers Renata, mother of Katherine ’23, and Debra, mother of Lana ’21. We thank Renata and Debra for their continued dedication to raising awareness about dyslexia in support of LD students.
Serving as the day’s student ambassador, Westmark’s very own fourth grader Sofia shared her experience of finding the right school to serve her distinct learning style:
I found out I had dyslexia when I was in first grade. I thought something was wrong with me, but now instead of seeing it negatively, I use it as a strength and it empowers me, like a superhero. When I was at my old school, it was hard. It felt like there was a question mark over my head. But now I feel free and brave.
Leading the Westmark contingent were five members of the Grades 5–8 Cross-Country team (pictured at top), who completed the course with Lion Pride. After clocking in under nineteen minutes, Coach Sean Magee circled back to cheer on the young runners. “It was meaningful for us to literally take steps as a team in support of such a good cause,” he said.
Eighth-grade Cross-Country team member Sophia crossed the finish line alongside her mother, Jonnelle. “Being a parent of a child with dyslexia can sometimes make you feel helpless," remarked Jonnelle. "Westmark has been a true gift in helping Sophia see that being dyslexic is simply a part of who she is. She is dyslexic, bright, smart, creative, and able to learn. And she grows in that confidence every day."
Jonnelle continued, “Running with my daughter in the 1 in 5k Dyslexia Dash was a special opportunity to support her not just with words but with action, and to show her that I believe she can do anything."
Above left: Mother-daughter participants Jonnelle and Sophia ’29 at the starting line in Santa Monica. Above right: Westmark PE teacher and Cross-Country team coach Sean Magee celebrating his impressive 5K time!
We are grateful to the many Westmark Lion families for their enthusiasm and solidarity. Much more than just a beautiful day at the beach, the 1 in 5K Dyslexia Dash raised more than $6,000 for IDA-LA. What a wonderfully Westmark way to build community and champion literacy for all. See you next year!
It was great to see so many smiling faces there in sunny Santa Monica! For a lively video recap of the day, check out this Instagram Reel!