Central HS Students Headed to Nationals for Children’s Book

SAN ANGELO, TX - Two Central High School students are headed to the national competition for the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) in Washington DC this June for their children’s literature pre-k-3 project. 

Junior Avery Westbrook and senior Roman Moya contributed to the “children’s literature project,” according to San Angelo ISD.

Information from the school states that students must write and illustrate an original children’s book to participate in the project. Then, students present and read their original story to a panel of judges and answer questions at the conclusion of the presentation. 

“Roman and Avery were intentional with every detail, from their carefully created illustrations to the interactive questions, every piece of the book was written with young students in mind,” said Central High School Family and Consumer Science teacher and Roman’s mother Theresa Maskill. “Writing this book was not an easy task. These students worked hard and learned a lot about themselves in the process. We are excited that their hard work has paid off and wish them nothing but the best as they prepare to represent our district in Washington DC.” 

According to San Angelo ISD, Avery and Roman began working on “The Honey House” in September 2023 in preparation for the area competition in November 2023, which advanced them to state in February 2024. 

“The Honey House follows a group of bees as they learn the valuable lesson of keeping their meadow clean to ensure the well-being of their precious flowers,” said Avery and Roman. “As young readers start on this colorful journey, they will witness the bees coming together, and committing to environmental stewardship. The story not only entertains but also imparts fundamental values of responsibility and cooperation.” 

Information describes The Honey House as an “educational adventure which takes young readers on a journey that sparks curiosity and environmental awareness.”

Throughout the book, Avery and Roman included interactive questions to keep readers engaged and learning. 

You can order your own copy of The Honey House for $15 each in support of the Central High School TAFE chapter.

“These kids have worked HARD!! They were so proud of the book and practiced their presentation and reading so much that their friends and family started asking where they could get copies,” said Central High School TAFE sponsor and education pathways teacher Scarlet Rodriquez. “I looked into what it would take to produce copies of the book, and we decided to turn it into a fundraiser for TAFE, our future teacher club! This has been such an exciting project, and it is so cool to see it turn into a published book. I’m proud of the work these two have put into their book and even prouder to have it as an example for future competitors. Avery and Roman have built a legacy in our TAFE chapter.” 

To pre-order your copy, please complete the pre-order form here. 

“San Angelo ISD extends a proud congratulations to Avery and Roman on their success this year and wish them the best of luck as they head to nationals this summer,” the school district stated. “We are proud to build up our future educators, support the hopes and dreams of our students, and celebrate all the ways they are smart. CTE Teaching and Training Pathway is just one more way- with rippling effects to help further the important work of public education.”  

For more information, click here.