Student Receives Prestigious State of Arizona Commendation for Completing TV-Free 10 Day Challenge

Noah Silverbrook

Updated Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

In a soul-stirring story of dedication and perseverance, a student from Kyrene Altadena Middle School has been awarded the prestigious "State of Arizona Commendation Resolution" for successfully completing the "TV FREE 10 DAY CHALLENGE." The remarkable achievement, which took place in April 2003, saw the student abstain from watching TV for an entire 10-day period.

The certificate, beautifully crafted with semi-elaborate black script and swirl accents, acknowledges the student's commitment to a screen-free lifestyle. Instead of spending countless hours in front of the television, the student chose to engage in productive and enriching activities such as reading, games, and physical endeavors.

With this commendation, the student exemplifies the notion that having a TV is not a necessity of life. Their willingness to eschew the allure of television demonstrates a level of maturity and self-discipline that is truly commendable. The certificate, organized into neatly paragraphed italicized sections and a final non-italicized section, reflects the official recognition of this extraordinary accomplishment.

The "State of Arizona Commendation Resolution" bears the signatures of two distinguished individuals. The first signature belongs to Slade Mead, Arizona State Senator, District 20. Known for his dedication to serving the community and championing causes that benefit children, Sen. Mead's endorsement adds an extra layer of prestige to this recognition. The second signature is that of Rich Zawtocki, Vice President of Kyrene School Board, whose commitment to education and student success is well-known.

At the bottom center of the certificate, a round gold-colored embossed seal with a blue and gold ribbon catches the eye. The intricate patterns and text on the seal, along with the visible date "1912," which likely signifies Arizona's admission as a state in the United States, add a touch of historical significance to this commendation. The blue ribbon, gently curling at the bottom, symbolizes the student's accomplishment and serves as a reminder of their dedication.

This soul-stirring tale of triumph over temptation and the celebration of a screen-free lifestyle has struck a chord with many. Commenters expressed their admiration for the student's commitment, with one even suggesting using the certificate as a screensaver on their own TV. The nostalgia of the challenge resonated with others, as they shared their own memories of similar experiences and the pride they felt in achieving personal goals.

The story also sparked some lighthearted banter, with one commenter jokingly comparing using the certificate for an unconventional purpose to using a DARE mug to hold weed. Others inquired about the means by which the student proved their TV-free status, while some playfully questioned the authenticity of the name "Slade Mead."

Overall, this heartening story serves as a reminder that personal achievements, no matter how small, deserve recognition and celebration. The "TV FREE 10 DAY CHALLENGE" certificate is a testament to the student's dedication, and it stands as an inspiration for others to challenge themselves and embrace screen-free activities. Congratulations to the student for their remarkable accomplishment, and may this recognition motivate others to find fulfillment beyond the confines of the television screen.

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View source: Reddit

Top Comments from Reddit

tommy3rd

use the photo as a screensaver on the tv.

twalker294

Congrats on touching grass in 2003. Do you remember what it was like? Just curious...

babbage_ct

Sen. Slade Mead is still helping kids today, but he gave up on you TV-watching Arizonans and moved to New York. https://youtu.be/f5A5q-t63Ls Rich Zawtocki, meanwhile, is still practicing personal injury law and helping dog bite victims in Mesa. https://zawtockilaw.com/attorney-profiles/richard-w-zawtocki/

gadget-freak

Imagine this: 10 days without smartphone.

random314

This should be on your LinkedIn page as well!

qou

Oh man this brings back memories. 2nd grade, probably '96. We had a no TV challenge for 2 weeks. 2 weeks! I was so strict and proud of myself. However one weekend wasn't paying attention and watched nearly an hour documentary of the Hubble telescope on PBS. My parents gave me a pass as it was educational. That was my only slip up, otherwise 2 weeks of no cartoons. Well the 2 weeks is over and our reward at school was a pizza party. All morning I'm waiting, craving that delicious pizza. Finally it's lunch time! I sit down with my 2 slices, savoring the first few bites on a job well done. I was so proud of myself. I ask for more and the helpers say, "oh only 2 slices per kid". I'm sitting there, letting that comment sink in. You mean to tell me, I just went 2 whole weeks without TV and all I get is 2 slices!? I did the only thing a 2nd grader can do: cry. I bawled my eyes out how absolutely ridiculous this was. I think it took about a minute before the adults realized, yeah that was kinda ridiculous. So they eventually let up and let me eat as much as I could. I'm not sure if I went to recess or just kept eating pizza. As a kid, it was nice to get a win over the adults.

davewave3283

This is like using your DARE mug to hold your weed

squidiskool

How did you prove it to them?

frozenbrains

I dunno... "Slade Mead" kinda sounds like a made up name.

legop***

Is your school district spelled wrong? Shouldn't that say Kyrene?

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