Nineteen children now enrolled at Roberts Academy at 鶹Ƶ - including one young girl on her first day of class - dressed up as famous artists, athletes and inventors for Dyslexia Superpower Character Day to share how several influential figures overcame their reading struggles.
So many celebrities, so little space. Thank goodness for the “security” and “press agents” to keep the public at bay.
You had actress Jennifer Aniston, rock star Gwen Stefani and NASCAR driver Noah Gragson. Then there was celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
Even Albert Einstein, Walt Disney and Pablo Picasso made a return visit from the afterlife to the Snow Family Grand Atrium of Schar Hall, along with a dozen other famous figures from throughout history.
Welcome to the first ever Dyslexia Superpower Character Day hosted by the Roberts Academy at 鶹Ƶ, North Carolina’s only university-based, private elementary school dedicated to helping children with dyslexia learn to read and to thrive.
Nineteen children now enrolled in the third, fourth, and (as of this month) fifth grades wore costumes on Oct. 29, 2026, to introduce themselves to the campus community as individuals with dyslexia whose professional and personal accomplishments are world renowned.
The children’s teachers also wore costumes of event “security” and entertainment “press” to roam the room and ask questions of the students.
Though their normal school day is in a renovated Trollinger House just across the railroad tracks and down the street from the Historic Neighborhood, students that Thursday morning visited the School of Communications to practice their public speaking.
“This is a great opportunity for them to be self-advocates and express to other people how dyslexia may be a challenge but it’s also a gift,” said Alicia Tate, acting director of the Roberts Academy at 鶹Ƶ. “Though everyone here at 鶹Ƶ has supported the academy, now they’re seeing its impact in the faces of our children. This makes it real.”
Though everyone here at 鶹Ƶ has supported the academy, now they’re seeing its impact in the faces of our children. This makes it real.
– Assistant Professor Alicia Tate, Acting Director of the Roberts Academy at 鶹Ƶ
And the kids? Well, they were one part proud of their work and one part excited for the candy and toys offered to them from visitors.
“Noah Gragson,” known by his classmates on a regular school day as Jace, smiled while discussing the way his mother suggested that he be the famous driver. A toy NASCAR vehicle gift by his grandfather was at Jace’s feet. His only complaint? “I’ve been standing now for an hour!”
“Jamie Oliver,” otherwise known as Finley to her friends, also followed her mother’s character suggestion. Finley loves to cook, she said, and boasts a personal superpower of “resourcefulness.” She, too, was delighted to show off the bag of candy at her feet.
“Pablo Picasso” was the character selected by Lorelei. And just like her two classmates, Lorelei heeded a suggestion from her mother. “I’m a good artist and like to paint and that kind of stuff!” Lorelei exclaimed as she held pink plastic vampire’s teeth given to her by an attendee.
Each student in the room had a story to share. Each story made Tate smile with joy.
“I’m so happy,” she said of the dozens of professors, staff members, and 鶹Ƶ students who engaged with her elementary school students. “We’ve had such a great turnout today.”
Established in 2025 through the generosity of Marjorie and Hal Roberts, the Roberts Academy at 鶹Ƶ is the first and only university-based private school in North Carolina for children with dyslexia. The school welcomed its inaugural class in August 2026.
The academy will expand to serve students in grades one through six in a new school currently planned for East Haggard Avenue, scheduled to open in Fall 2028.
Designed as a transitional school, Roberts Academy serves students for up to three years before they return to their community schools with the skills and confidence to succeed as scholars, entrepreneurs and civic leaders.
The school offers rolling admissions and is still accepting applications for the 2026-27 academic year. Visit the Roberts Academy at 鶹Ƶ website to learn more.