By Malcolm Butler
The Ruston City Council recognized one of Lincoln Parish’s brightest young students Monday night, honoring Hillcrest Elementary School student Charity Boney for her historic victory at the National Braille Challenge.
Mayor Ronny Walker presented Boney with a city proclamation recognizing her accomplishment as the first documented Louisiana student to win a Braille Challenge national title.
Boney captured first place in the Apprentice Division, which includes first- and second-grade students, during the 2026 National Braille Challenge Finals in Los Angeles. She finished second nationally in 2025 before returning this year to win the championship.
Walker said the city wanted this year’s recognition to be even more meaningful.
“Last year we gave you a proclamation, but it was not in Braille,” Walker told Boney during the presentation. “We have it in Braille for you this time.”
The presentation led to one of the lightest moments of the night when Mayor Walker handed the proclamation to Charity, who then replied, “I can’t read Braille upside down.”
“Did I have it upside down, I’m so sorry,” said Walker, under a chorus of laughter.
Walker praised Boney’s accomplishment, saying the entire community is proud of her achievement.
“She is the first student in Louisiana to win the National Braille Challenge,” Walker said. “We’re so incredibly proud of her.”
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