Kenlloggsville — On a recent Thursday afternoon, about 24 fourth- and fifth-grade students gathered in a Central Kelloggsville classroom to celebrate the one unique thing they all have in common: They are left-handed.
According to the American Psychological Association, about 10 percent of the world’s population are lefties. And while more accommodations are being made for left-handed people, they still face many challenges, said Central Kelloggsville reading teacher Maureen Bradley, who hosted the event and is a lefty herself.
“So many things are made for the right-handed person, and this is one way to celebrate our differences,” Bradley said. She too is left-handed and said there are several Central Kelloggsville staff who are as well.
Fourth-grader Madicyn Spann said she is the only person in her family who writes with her left hand.
“Left-handers actually can hit harder,” said fifth-grader and sports fan Zander Long.
About 24 fourth- and fifth-grade students recently had lunch together, talking about famous people who have been left-handed, such as guitarist Jimi Hendrix, and about challenges they face.
“I hate the spiral notebooks, because the spiral always gets in your way,” said fifth-grader Devin Shonk.
Students each received a school item designed for left-handers, such as notebooks, activity books, scissors and pens.
Fourth-grader Pedro Castillo selected a pen designed for left-handers, which has a unique curved barrel angle that makes it easier to grip and write without having to bend the wrist.
“When I hold a pencil, sometimes it feels weird,” Pedro said after testing out his new pen. “(The left-hander pen) definitely makes it easier to write.”
Bradley noted left-handed athletes such as basketball players David Robinson and James Harden, hockey player Wayne Gretzky, soccer player Lionel Messi and baseball legend Babe Ruth.
Bradley said starting next year she plans to invite one grade each year so all left-handed fourth- to sixth-graders will get to celebrate at least once while at Central Kelloggsville.
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