“Roxaboxen” It’s a town that you won’t find on Google or Map Quest but it’s the most important town to the first graders of First United Methodist Christian School in Homestead. With the help of their teachers and parents, they created their very own cardboard box town called Roxaboxen in the school‘s courtyard. Vice-Mayor Patricia Fairclough honored their hard work and creativity during the February Special Council Presentations.
Thirty-five, first- graders became the builders, leaders, entrepreneurs, and citizens of Roxaboxen dressed in the costumes of their businesses. First grader, and Town Hall Mayor of Roxaboxen, Benjamin Mugnier did a very professional presentation before the City of Homestead Council explaining and introducing the rules that must be followed when you visit their city. Mayor Mugnier concluded his remarks by introducing his favorite rule, “you must have fun!”
“As an educator and former first grade teacher, my heart swells when our children have this wonderful, authentic learning experience,” said Vice-Mayor Patricia Fairclough. “Thank you to all the parents for investing the time in your children and their education, I know it can be tough but when you see all the success, it is so worth it now and for their future and of course, thank you to teachers Julie Kenney and Katherine Pearce as well.”
Each small business owner was presented with their own certificate of recognition for the hard work and imagination that was put into building the town. The annual Roxaboxen event is inspired by the book of the same name, written by Alice McLerran and illustrated by Barbara Cooney. The book celebrates the imagination of children who, no matter the time or place, can create whole worlds out of what they find around them—in this case, rocks and boxes. The main character, Marian, and her friends find a special place in the desert where they play the games that will prepare them for their grown-up lives.
Roxaboxen business owners are: Policeanator- Caleb Easom, Fab Flowers-Alanna Van Dusen, Emily's Cake and Shake- Emily Hays, Town Hall/Mayor- Benjamin Mugnier, John's Fire House- John Kreitz, Chum Bucket- Dorian Jordan, Jayden's Horse Barn-Jayden Picard, Army Booth- Walter Jenkins, Emma's Cool Ice Cream Shop- Emma Healy, Send a Smile Post Office- Katie Chester, Rachel's Sweet Treats- Rachel Rodriguez, Pets Are Best- Abigail Lugo, Shelby's Fun Sparkly Salon- Shelby Steen, Miguel's Grocery Store- Miguel Chavez, Entomologist Center- Lucas Guilfoyle, Aaron's Androids- Aaron Berry, Jonathan's Creature Clinic- Jonathan Reddick, Roxabrary/Library- Audrey Carter, Vivienne's Lots of Love Day Care- Vivienne Chmura, Mia Jolie's Pharmacy- Mia De la Cruz, Matthew's Sporting Goods- Matthew Flores, FUM Bank- Roman Green, Best Care Hospital- Laurelle Jaber, Sophia's Shimmers- Sophia Lopez, Mason's Airport- Mason Moehling, Carter's Theatre- Carter Mussman, Leah's Coffee Shop- Leah Pacheco, Sebastian's School- Sebastian Perez, First United Church of Roxabox- Peyton Powell, Raegan's Toys- Raegan Putnam, Tip Toe Studio- Leianne Rodriguez, Madysen's Art Gallery- Madysen Santana, Pablo's Pizza- Pablo Sifuentes, Happy Travel Rent A Car- Abigail Silva, Danika's Awesome Lego Shop- Danika Torres.
