Written by:  Stacy Lowe
       Public Relations Specialist

Corona, CA - Throughout the summer of 2024, Christian Osuna-Angel, a student at Corona Ranch Elementary School, set out to conquer a special goal: winning the County Superintendent’s Summer Reading Challenge.  While his aim was high, he surpassed even his own hopes and expectations, emerging as the runaway winner by a staggering margin in Riverside County’s annual literacy competition. 
The Superintendent’s Reading Challenge, organized by the Riverside County Office of Education, encourages students from birth to 5th grade to read using Footsteps2Brilliance, a bilingual digital literacy app. Christian, who had just completed 3rd grade, showed an extraordinary commitment to the program, reading 502 books, logging nearly 44 literacy hours, playing 532 games, and writing 24 books. Christian spent more time on the platform than places 2nd through 5th combined!

"In previous summers, I have put together workbooks for him to continue learning, but that never really worked out," said Christian's mother, Mariana Osuna-Angel. "This summer, he had a checklist in his mind that he was going to read with Footsteps2Brilliance every day."

Even during family vacations, Christian’s routine didn’t falter. Whether he was on the couch at home or winding down in a hotel room in Mexico, Christian made time for his favorite pastime—reading. His favorite stories came from Aesop’s Fables, especially "The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing." Christian enjoyed quizzing himself after each story, saying, “My favorite one is about the wolf in sheep’s clothing because it has animals.”

Christian’s dedication also inspired his younger sister, Allison, who had just completed Kindergarten. He would often read books aloud to her, helping her to develop her own literacy skills, but also imparting his love of reading.

In September, Christian was celebrated at Corona Ranch Elementary School, where he was awarded first place by Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez, joined by CNUSD Superintendent, Dr. Samuel Buenrostro. Standing proudly in front of his classmates, Christian shared his excitement: “I felt good about myself. I am going to pick out some new Ty toys.”

With his passion for reading and commitment to learning, Christian Osuna-Angel has set the bar high for young readers across Riverside County, proving that determination and a love for stories can lead to the biggest of wins.

Thank you to the Riverside County Office of Education for recognizing Christian's amazing achievement. CNUSD is so proud of Christian and all the participants!