Syosset student spells her way to success
Rika Mizoguchi, an eighth-grader from Syosset, recently showed off her spelling skills at Hofstra University.
Rika, who attends HB Thompson Middle School, won the Long Island Regional Spelling Bee and landed a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which will take place in May in Washington, DC. She will be representing all of Long Island in the national finals.
The youngster took home the regional crown after she was able to outspell 35 other contestants. Her winning word was ‘adnate’, an adjective meaning ‘joined’, which she spelled correctly in the contest’s 17th round.
Following her win, Rika’s school released a statement congratulating her. James Kassebaum, the school's principal, stated:
The next step for the school may be to use newsletter printing to share the details of Rika’s win with the student body and parents.
Professors from Hofstra University served as judges, ringers, and record keepers during the regional spelling bee. Ethna Lay, an associate professor of writing studies and composition, was the head judge. Jeffrey Morosoff, an assistant professor of journalism, media studies, and PR, read out words to contestants.
The National Spelling Bee will take place May 25 to 26. The championship will be broadcast on ESPN on May 26 at 8:00 pm.
Rika, who attends HB Thompson Middle School, won the Long Island Regional Spelling Bee and landed a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which will take place in May in Washington, DC. She will be representing all of Long Island in the national finals.
The youngster took home the regional crown after she was able to outspell 35 other contestants. Her winning word was ‘adnate’, an adjective meaning ‘joined’, which she spelled correctly in the contest’s 17th round.
Following her win, Rika’s school released a statement congratulating her. James Kassebaum, the school's principal, stated:
"We are proud to have her represent Syosset and serve as an ambassador for Long Island on the national stage in Washington. She is a hardworking and humble student, and we wish her well in her quest to become a national champion speller.”
The next step for the school may be to use newsletter printing to share the details of Rika’s win with the student body and parents.
Professors from Hofstra University served as judges, ringers, and record keepers during the regional spelling bee. Ethna Lay, an associate professor of writing studies and composition, was the head judge. Jeffrey Morosoff, an assistant professor of journalism, media studies, and PR, read out words to contestants.
The National Spelling Bee will take place May 25 to 26. The championship will be broadcast on ESPN on May 26 at 8:00 pm.